Pompeii Archaeological Site Tourism

The Pompeii Archaeological Site is one of the most significant proofs of Roman civilization and provides a comprehensive snapshot of daily life in the past. Located near the modern city of Naples in the Campania region of Italy, Pompeii was an ancient Roman town-city. It was buried under 4 to 6 m of volcanic ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. The site covers an area of approximately 44 hectares (110 acres), and the volcanic ash preserved the buildings, objects, and bodies of those who perished. Excavations began in the 18th century and provided an extraordinary detailed insight into the life of a city at the height of the Roman Empire. Today, the ruins of Pompeii are a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy. Visitors can walk the ancient streets, see the remains of homes, shops, baths, and temples, and even cast forms of the volcano's victims.