Pompeii

Pompeii was an ancient Roman city in Campania, Italy, first settled by Oscan-speaking peoples and influenced by Greek culture from the 8th century BC. Home to 10,000-20,000 inhabitants, the city was buried under 4-6 metres of volcanic ash and pumice during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius on August 24, 79 AD. Rediscovered in the 16th century with major excavations beginning in 1748, Pompeii's remarkably preserved ruins include the Forum, Temple of Apollo, Amphitheatre, and hundreds of residences, offering an unparalleled snapshot of Roman urban life. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997 alongside Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata.