Pompeii was a large Roman town in Campania, Italy which was buried in volcanic ash following the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 CE. Excavated in the 19th-20th century, its excellent state of preservation gives an invaluable insight into Roman everyday life. Pompeii is perhaps the richest archaeological site in the world for the volume of data available to scholars.
More about: PompeiiDefinition
Timeline
-
c. 80 BCERoman aqueduct built at Pompeii.
-
80 BCESulla sacks Pompeii following a rebellion and founds the 'Colony of Venus', resettling 4-5,000 war veterans.
-
c. 75 BCEThe amphitheatre of Pompeii is built.
-
59 CEA riot in the arena of Pompeii between locals and citizens of Nuceria results in a ten-year ban on gladiator games in Pompeii.
-
5 Feb 62 CEA violent earthquake damages Pompeii, Herculaneum, and other towns in Campania.
-
64 CEEmperor Nero visits Pompeii.
-
Aug 79 CE - Oct 79 CEEruption of Mt. Vesuvius in southern Italy burying the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum in volcanic ash.
