Pompeii reveals details of Roman life through preserved artifacts

The archaeological site of Pompeii continues to provide a detailed look into Roman daily life nearly two millennia after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The city was buried under approximately six meters or more of volcanic ash and pyroclastic flows, which served to protect the site from weather and looting for centuries.

Excavations have revealed a wide array of structures and artifacts, including houses, temples, commercial establishments, and public baths. The preservation of paintings, mosaics, and everyday objects allows researchers to reconstruct the social customs and economic activities of the estimated 10,000 to 20,000 residents who lived there at the time of the eruption.