Pompeii

ancient Rome · archaeology · volcanoes · Italy

Buried by Vesuvius. In the year 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius exploded and covered Pompeii with 4 to 6 meters of volcanic ash and pumice. The city stayed buried and forgotten for nearly 1,700 years.

Frozen in time. Because of the ash, buildings, streets, and everyday objects were perfectly preserved. Archaeologists could study how Romans actually lived, worked, and played.

Near Naples. Pompeii was located near what is now Naples in southern Italy, in a region called Campania. Mount Vesuvius is still an active volcano today, right in the same area.

Not alone. Pompeii wasn't the only place buried that day, the nearby cities of Herculaneum and Stabiae, plus many fancy villas around them, were also covered by the eruption.

A time capsule. When archaeologists dug up Pompeii starting in the 1700s, they found ancient homes, shops, art, and even food, giving us an incredible window into Roman life from nearly 2,000 years ago.