Photos

Pompeii is a priceless remnant of a Roman town five miles southeast of modern Naples that was completely and unmercifully buried when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. Captured beneath 60 feet of ash and cinder for 1700 years, the people of Pompeii, their homes and businesses, animals, food, drink, frescoes, statues and a whole way of life lay buried and unknown until 1748 when it was accidently rediscovered. It has been excavated continuously ever since revealing a steady stream of knowledge about the early Roman lifestyle.

This view shows the Temple of Jupiter at the north end of the Forum with Mount Vesuvius in looming background. Someday Pompeii, and its surrounding neighbors, perhaps including Naples, will be buried again as the volcano that dominates the region only lays quietly taking a short nap before coming alive again.