The preserved remains of Pompeii, an ancient Roman city located in Campania, Italy, approximately 14 miles southeast of Naples and situated at the base of Mount Vesuvius, tell a remarkable story. On August 24, 79 CE, a massive eruption from Mount Vesuvius covered Pompeii in volcanic debris, followed by scorching hot gases the next day. This catastrophe led to the destruction of buildings, the tragic loss of the population, and the city’s burial under layers of ash and pumice.

For centuries, Pompeii remained hidden beneath this ash, preserving its secrets. When excavations finally began in the 1700s, the world was astounded by the revelation of a sophisticated Greco-Roman city frozen in time. Among the discoveries were grand public structures like a remarkable forum and an amphitheater. Lavish villas and various houses dating back to the 4th century BCE were also brought to light.

Inside these structures, some individuals were found preserved as they sought refuge from the eruption, while others were discovered in the midst of their escape. Remarkably, bakeries were unearthed with loaves still in their ovens. These buildings and their contents provided a glimpse into daily life in the ancient world, igniting a fascination with classical history during the 18th century.