The ancient city of Pompeii was destroyed in 79 AD by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius.
Pompeii, located near present-day Naples in Italy, was a flourishing Roman city that was buried under volcanic ash and pumice following the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. This natural disaster occurred over two days on August 24th and 25th, 79 AD. The eruption was so sudden and powerful that it encapsulated the city, preserving it under layers of ash and debris. This natural preservation provides an extraordinarily detailed glimpse into the life of a city during the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire.
The city remained mostly untouched and forgotten until its rediscovery in 1748, and since then, excavations have revealed intact buildings, frescoes, and artifacts, as well as casts of the victims of the eruption, offering invaluable insights into Roman urban life, architecture, and culture. Pompeii is now one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world and a popular tourist destination.