On a rocky tableland formed by an ancient eruption stands the city of Pompeii that, due to the eruption of the Vesuvius in 79 A.C., was buried under 60 feet of ash and pumice.
The city can be actually visited still today thanks to such catastrophic event and the subsequent state of preservation. Between the end of the VII century and first half of the VI century B.C., the first walls were built, delimitating an area of around 63 hectares.
Towards the end of the V century B.C., during the Samnite era, the urban development of Pompeii was started; during the year 80, it became a Roman colony with the name of Cornelia Veneria Pompeianorum.
The city has returned many examples of public buildings, ( the Forum with the Capitolium, the Basilica, the administrative facilities, the buildings dedicated to the imperial cult, the macellum, the thermae, the theatres and amphiteathre) and private
( the Casa del Fauno, Casa del Poeta Tragico, la Casa del Menandro, la Casa dei Casti Amanti, la Villa dei Misteri) that contribute to the definition of the ancient city’s physiognomy, both its artistic aspects and those connected with the everyday life).
