UNESCO World Heritage Site Since 1997
The History of Pompeii
Discover the ancient Roman city frozen in time by the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. Explore 2,000 years of history preserved beneath volcanic ash.
79 AD – The Day That Changed History
The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius
On August 24, 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted with catastrophic force, burying the thriving Roman city of Pompeii under 4-6 meters of volcanic ash and pumice. The eruption lasted approximately 24 hours, releasing thermal energy equivalent to 100,000 times the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The city’s 11,000-20,000 inhabitants had little warning. Pliny the Younger, who witnessed the eruption from across the Bay of Naples, provided the only surviving eyewitness account, describing a massive cloud resembling a Mediterranean pine tree rising from the volcano.
The pyroclastic surge, traveling at speeds up to 450 mph with temperatures exceeding 500°C, instantly killed those who hadn’t fled. The volcanic ash preserved the city in remarkable detail, creating a time capsule of Roman life that would remain hidden for nearly 1,700 years.
Timeline of Pompeii
From Foundation to Rediscovery
Explore the complete history of Pompeii from its founding by the Oscans to its modern-day status as one of the world’s most important archaeological sites.
7th-6th Century BC
Foundation by the Oscans
Pompeii was founded by the Oscan people on a prehistoric lava flow near the Sarno River. The strategic location made it an important trading port and agricultural center.
89 BC
Roman Conquest
After the Social War, Pompeii became a Roman colony under Sulla. Latin became the official language, and the city was renamed Colonia Cornelia Veneria Pompeianorum.
August 24, 79 AD
The Catastrophic Eruption
Mount Vesuvius erupted with devastating force, burying Pompeii under volcanic ash and pumice. The city was lost to history for nearly 1,700 years.
1863
Giuseppe Fiorelli's Innovation
Archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli developed the technique of creating plaster casts of victims by pouring plaster into voids left by decomposed bodies, preserving their final moments.
Today
Living Museum & Research Center
Pompeii welcomes over 2.5 million visitors annually and remains an active archaeological site with ongoing excavations revealing new discoveries.
5th-4th Century BC
Greek and Samnite Influence
The city came under Greek influence, followed by Samnite control. During this period, Pompeii developed its distinctive urban layout with the Forum, temples, and public buildings.
62 AD
Major Earthquake
A powerful earthquake struck Pompeii, causing significant damage to buildings and infrastructure. The city was still undergoing reconstruction when Vesuvius erupted 17 years later.
1748
Rediscovery and Excavation
Spanish engineer Rocque Joaquin de Alcubierre began systematic excavations under King Charles III of Spain. The remarkably preserved city amazed the world.
1997
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Pompeii, along with Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its exceptional universal value.
Roman Life Preserved
Daily Life in Ancient Pompeii
Discover how Romans lived, worked, and entertained themselves in this prosperous city before the eruption. Book a guided history tour to see these remarkable sites in person.
The Forum – City Center
The Forum was the heart of Pompeii’s political, religious, and commercial life. Citizens gathered here to conduct business, worship at temples, and participate in civic affairs. The colonnade provided shade for merchants and shoppers.
Luxurious Villas
Wealthy Pompeians lived in elaborate domus (houses) featuring atrium courtyards, peristyle gardens, frescoed walls, and mosaic floors. The House of the Faun covered an entire city block with over 3,000 square meters of living space.
Public Bath Houses
Romans visited thermae (public baths) daily for hygiene, exercise, and socializing. The Stabian Baths featured heated rooms (caldarium), warm rooms (tepidarium), and cold plunge pools (frigidarium) with sophisticated heating systems.
Amphitheatre Entertainment
Built in 70 BC, Pompeii’s amphitheatre is the oldest surviving Roman arena. It seated 20,000 spectators who watched gladiatorial combats, animal hunts, and public executions. Graffiti on walls reveals betting on favorite gladiators.
Shops & Taverns
Pompeians worshipped Roman gods at numerous temples. The Temple of Jupiter dominated the Forum, while the Temple of Apollo was one of the city’s oldest structures. Household shrines (lararia) honored family ancestors and protective spirits.
Religious Temples
Romans visited thermae (public baths) daily for hygiene, exercise, and socializing. The Stabian Baths featured heated rooms (caldarium), warm rooms (tepidarium), and cold plunge pools (frigidarium) with sophisticated heating systems.
Experience History Firsthand
Walk Through 2,000 Years of History
Book your tickets now and explore the ancient Roman city preserved by volcanic ash. Expert archaeologist guides bring history to life.
Archaeological Discoveries
Major Excavations & Findings
Over 275 years of excavations have revealed extraordinary artifacts and insights into Roman civilization. New discoveries continue to emerge from the 22 hectares still buried.
Plaster Casts of Victims
Giuseppe Fiorelli’s Revolutionary Technique (1863)
In 1863, archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli developed an innovative method to preserve the final moments of Pompeii’s victims. By pouring plaster into voids left by decomposed bodies in the hardened ash, he created haunting casts showing people’s exact positions when they died.
These casts reveal victims’ clothing, facial expressions, and body positions – some huddled together, others attempting to flee, many covering their faces from toxic fumes. Over 1,000 casts have been created, providing unprecedented insight into the eruption’s human toll.
Plaster Casts of Victims
Giuseppe Fiorelli’s Revolutionary Technique (1863)
Pompeii’s volcanic burial preserved thousands of frescoes and mosaics in remarkable condition. The famous “Pompeian red” frescoes in the Villa of Mysteries depict mysterious Dionysian rituals with life-size figures that still captivate viewers today.
The Alexander Mosaic from the House of the Faun, depicting Alexander the Great’s victory over Darius III, contains over 1.5 million tiny tesserae (tiles). These artworks provide invaluable evidence of Roman artistic techniques, mythology, and daily life.
Ancient Graffiti & Inscriptions
Over 11,000 graffiti messages scratched on walls reveal Romans' thoughts, jokes, political slogans, and advertisements. These "voices from the past" provide intimate glimpses into daily life, from love declarations to gladiator fan clubs.
Preserved Food & Artifacts
Carbonized bread, fruit, nuts, and even a complete meal were preserved by volcanic ash. Everyday objects - from surgical instruments to children's toys - provide detailed evidence of Roman technology, medicine, and domestic life.
Recent Discoveries (2018-2024)
Ongoing excavations in Regio V have uncovered stunning new frescoes, a fast-food restaurant (thermopolium) with intact food residues, and a ceremonial chariot. These finds continue to rewrite our understanding of Roman life.
Most Famous Discovery
The Villa of the Mysteries
Located just outside Pompeii’s city walls, the Villa of the Mysteries contains one of the ancient world’s most enigmatic and well-preserved fresco cycles. Discovered in 1909, this suburban villa features a continuous frieze of 29 life-size figures painted in the distinctive “Pompeian red” background.
The frescoes depict what scholars believe to be initiation rites into the cult of Dionysus (Bacchus), the god of wine and ecstasy. The scenes show a young bride’s preparation for marriage intertwined with mysterious religious ceremonies, including flagellation, dancing, and divine revelations.
The villa’s remarkable preservation allows visitors to experience Roman domestic architecture and religious practices as they existed 2,000 years ago. The vivid colors, intricate details, and emotional expressions of the figures make this one of the most photographed and studied artworks from antiquity.
What You'll See on the Tour:
- 29 life-size figures in continuous fresco cycle
- Dionysian mystery cult initiation scenes
- Perfectly preserved Pompeian red backgrounds
- Luxurious Roman villa architecture
- Expert archaeologist guide explanations
Historical Significance
Why Pompeii Matters Today
Pompeii’s preservation provides unparalleled insights into Roman civilization and
continues to influence archaeology, art, architecture, and our understanding of
ancient history.
Archaeological Treasure
Pompeii is the most completely preserved ancient city in the world. Unlike other archaeological sites that deteriorated over centuries, Pompeii was sealed in a moment, preserving organic materials, wooden structures, and everyday objects that normally decompose.
Social History Window
Graffiti, shop signs, and household items reveal how ordinary Romans lived - not just emperors and elites. We learn about their humor, politics, relationships, businesses, and daily routines through these preserved snapshots of life.
Artistic Influence
Pompeii's rediscovery sparked the Neoclassical movement in 18th-century Europe. Artists, architects, and designers drew inspiration from Roman frescoes, mosaics, and architectural styles, influencing Western art and design for centuries.
Volcanic Research
Studying Pompeii's destruction helps volcanologists understand pyroclastic surges and eruption patterns. This research improves volcanic hazard prediction and disaster preparedness for the 3 million people living near Vesuvius today.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
In 1997, UNESCO designated Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata as World Heritage Sites, recognizing their “exceptional testimony to Mediterranean civilization in the 1st century AD” and their “outstanding universal value.”
The sites provide a complete and vivid picture of society and daily life at a specific moment in the past that has no parallel anywhere in the world. They have been a major source of information about many aspects of social, economic, religious, and political life of the ancient world.
Preservation Challenges
Protecting Pompeii for Future Generations
After surviving 1,700 years buried under ash, Pompeii now faces threats from weathering, tourism, and structural decay. Conservation efforts work to preserve this irreplaceable heritage site.
Weather & Erosion
Exposure to rain, wind, and temperature fluctuations causes frescoes to fade, walls to crack, and structures to collapse. Modern roofing systems protect vulnerable areas while allowing archaeological research to continue.
The Great Pompeii Project (2012-2015) invested €105 million in emergency conservation, stabilizing buildings and improving drainage systems to prevent water damage.
Tourism Impact
Over 2.5 million annual visitors cause wear on ancient streets, mosaics, and frescoes. Visitor management strategies include timed entry tickets, designated pathways, and rotating access to fragile areas.
Booking tickets online helps control visitor numbers and reduces crowding at popular sites, protecting both the ruins and enhancing visitor experience.
Ongoing Conservation
Teams of archaeologists, conservators, and engineers work year-round stabilizing structures, restoring frescoes, and documenting new discoveries using cutting- edge technology including 3D scanning and digital mapping.
Your ticket purchase directly supports these conservation efforts, ensuring Pompeii survives for future generations to study and appreciate.
Support Pompeii’s Preservation
Every ticket purchased contributes to ongoing conservation, archaeological research, and site maintenance. Visit responsibly and help preserve this UNESCO World Heritage Site for future generations.
Learn More
Frequently Asked History Questions
How many people died in the Pompeii eruption?
Estimates suggest 2,000-15,000 people died, though exact numbers are unknown. Many residents fled before the eruption, but those who stayed or returned were killed by pyroclastic surges. Over 1,150 bodies have been recovered, with many more likely still buried.
Why was Pompeii forgotten for so long?
After the eruption, the site was buried under 4-6 meters of ash and pumice. The city’s location was lost as survivors relocated and the landscape changed. It wasn’t until 1748 that systematic excavations began, revealing the preserved city beneath.
What was daily life like in ancient Pompeii?
Pompeii was a prosperous commercial city with a population of 11,000-20,000. Residents enjoyed public baths, theaters, gladiatorial games, taverns, and shops. The city had running water, sophisticated drainage, and multi-story buildings with elaborate frescoes.
How much of Pompeii has been excavated?
Approximately 66 hectares (163 acres) have been excavated – about 75% of the ancient city. Around 22 hectares remain buried. Archaeologists continue excavating slowly and carefully, with new discoveries made regularly using modern technology.
What are the most important discoveries at Pompeii?
Key discoveries include the Villa of Mysteries frescoes, plaster casts of victims, the Alexander Mosaic, preserved food and organic materials, ancient graffiti, and complete building layouts. Recent finds include a thermopolium (fast- food restaurant) and ceremonial chariot.
Could Mount Vesuvius erupt again?
Yes, Vesuvius is still an active volcano and considered one of the world’s most dangerous due to 3 million people living nearby. It last erupted in 1944. Scientists continuously monitor seismic activity, and evacuation plans are in place for surrounding areas.
Experience Ancient History
Book Your Pompeii History Tour Today
Walk through the streets where Romans lived 2,000 years ago. Expert archaeologist guides bring history to life with fascinating stories and insights.
Educational Resources
Deepen Your Knowledge of Pompeii
History Guidebook
Comprehensive 120-page illustrated guide covering Pompeii's complete history from foundation to modern excavations. Includes maps, timelines, and expert commentary.
Audio History Tour
2-hour narrated audio guide featuring archaeologist insights, historical context, and dramatic reenactments of the eruption. Available in 8 languages.
Documentary Series
5-part video series exploring Pompeii's history, daily life, eruption, rediscovery, and modern conservation. Includes exclusive interviews with archaeologists.
