Pompeii was a city in the Roman Empire more than 1,500 years ago. It was a very wealthy part of Italy, with either very rich citizens, or very poor slaves. Pompeii was located near present-day Naples, and was only about two miles across. But the main attraction was the 4,000 ft. volcano Mt. Vesuvius looming overhead.

The streets of Pompeii were laid out in a standard grid format with a central square or forum. The city had two theaters, luxurious public baths, and temples. Unlike many cities, streets in Pompeii were stone and so were the edges of pavements.

Pompeii was a demanding city for water because of the numerous public baths and lavatories. As a result, the Pompeians used aqueducts.

Houses were generally low, no more than two stories. Wealthier homes on the main street often had stores and shops built into the walls. Shops have been discovered that represent many trades such as sculptors, surgeons, fisherman, and bakers. The rich citizens of Pompeii enjoyed the good life, with good food and housing. But the poor were the slaves for the wealthy, and were treated poorly. Nevertheless, Pompeii was a thriving, happy town.

The Eruption of Vesuvius
What we discovered from Pompeii
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