Free Photos of Pompei

Pompei, situated in the Campania region of Italy, is a famous archaeological site that gets its name from the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. The city was formed in the 8th century BC and was initially a small farming community. However, it steadily transformed into a prosperous trading hub, owing to its strategic location near the Bay of Naples. The city reached its apogee in the 1st century AD when it became a popular tourist and cultural centre. On August 24, 79 AD, disaster struck, and Mount Vesuvius, the local volcano, erupted, causing the destruction of Pompeii and killing thousands of inhabitants. The city was buried under layers of ash and pumice, preserving it from environmental damage for over 1,500 years, until archaeologists started excavating it in the 18th century. Today, it is one of the most visited archaeological sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the main attractions of Pompei is the ancient Roman town with its well-preserved ruins, including the famous amphitheatre, the Temple of Apollo, and the Forum. Visitors can get a glimpse into the urban life of ancient Pompeii by visiting the Casa del Fauno, the Casa del Poeta Tragico, and the Casa degli Amanti. A well-preserved brothel, the Lupanare, also attracts visitors because of its erotic frescoes. Other notable attractions include a garden filled with ancient Roman sculptures, thermal baths, and a palestra. If you're interested in modern oddities, the Vesuvius National Park is located within a short distance from Pompei. In addition to the nature reserve, there's also a Museum of Vesuvius Observatory, which houses scientific exhibits related to the volcano and its eruptions. The city of Naples, which is famous for its world-class pizza, is also located a short distance from Pompei.