Pompei

Pompei is a town and comune in the Metropolitan City of Naples, Campania, southern Italy. It lies on the Tyrrhenian coast, near Mount Vesuvius, about 20 kilometers southeast of Naples.

The modern municipality includes the area of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, the site of which lies near the town and is one of the most extensively excavated archaeological sites in the world.

The ancient city of Pompeii was buried under several meters of volcanic ash and pumice during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. The ash preserved many buildings, streets, and artifacts, providing a detailed snapshot of Roman urban life. Excavations began in the 18th century and revealed a densely built city with public buildings, temples, shops, houses, frescoes, and mosaics. The site is known for features such as the Forum, the amphitheatre, the Villa of the Mysteries, and the House of the Faun.

Today, Pompeii is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Archaeological Areas of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Torre Annunziata, and is managed as an archaeological park. It attracts millions of visitors each year who can view preserved structures, plaster casts of victims, and extensive mural and mosaic remains. The modern town has a separate municipal government and economy, with agriculture, tourism, and light industry as components.

The site continues to be studied and conserved, with challenges including weathering, vandalism, and restoration ethics. Pompeii remains a key source for understanding daily life in a Roman city and has influenced art, archaeology, and popular culture worldwide.