Herculaneum

Herculaneum was an ancient Roman town located on the coast of the Bay of Naples in Campania, Italy, opposite Mount Vesuvius. It lay near the modern town of Ercolano and was buried during the AD 79 eruption that devastated the Vesuvius area. The city’s remains were preserved under volcanic ash and pyroclastic material, which in turn helped protect many structures and organic materials.

Historically, Herculaneum was likely founded in the early Roman period and developed as a prosperous residential and commercial center. It became a popular seaside retreat for wealthy Romans, featuring a dense urban core with streets, houses, public baths, shops, and mosaic and fresco decorations. The harbor area and riverine access were important to its economy and daily life. In the later centuries, the city remained inhabited before being overwhelmed by the eruption.

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius produced flows that rapidly buried Herculaneum, sealing much of its architecture and contents. Unlike Pompeii, much of Herculaneum was buried under volcanic rock, which helped preserve wooden elements, furniture, and even some organic materials. The site has yielded a rich record of domestic life, including inscriptions, wall paintings, and the notable Villa of the Papyri, where carbonized scrolls were found.

Archaeological work began in the 18th century and continues in phases, revealing a well-preserved urban layout and crucible of Roman daily life. Today, Herculaneum is part of the Archaeological Areas of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Torre Annunziata, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is managed as the Parco Archeologico di Ercolano.