Pompeii is a major archaeological site located in the Campania region of southern Italy, near the modern city of Naples. It was an ancient Roman city that was destroyed and buried under volcanic ash and pumice following the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The site was lost for centuries before systematic excavations began in the 18th century. Today, it is one of the most extensive and well-preserved examples of a Roman urban settlement.
The ash that covered Pompeii helped preserve buildings, artefacts, and even the forms of people and animals, offering an exceptional snapshot of Roman daily life. Visitors can walk along original Roman streets and explore structures such as houses, shops, baths, temples, and public spaces. Notable buildings include the House of the Faun, known for its mosaics; the Villa of the Mysteries, with well-preserved frescoes; and the large amphitheatre, which predates the Colosseum in Rome.
The Forum served as the civic centre, surrounded by temples, administrative buildings, and markets. The city’s bath complexes, including the Stabian Baths and Forum Baths, illustrate Roman engineering and social practices. Religious structures such as the Temple of Apollo and the Temple of Jupiter reflect the integration of politics and religion in Roman society.
Plaster casts of victims, made by pouring liquid plaster into voids left by decomposed bodies, are displayed throughout the site and serve as powerful visual records of the disaster. Artefacts recovered from Pompeii are housed both on-site and in the Naples National Archaeological Museum.
Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and receives millions of visitors each year. Entry is ticketed, and guided tours are available. The site covers approximately 66 hectares, with ongoing excavations continuing to reveal new information. Despite exposure to the elements and tourism-related wear, conservation efforts are active to maintain the integrity of the remains. Pompeii offers critical insight into the structure, culture, and daily life of a Roman city frozen at a moment in time.
Official website: https://pompeiisites.org/en/
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