The ancient Italian city of Pompeii was founded in about the year 700 BC. It came under the rule of Rome in 200 or so BC. By the middle of the first century AD, Pompeii had become a prime resort town for well heeled Romans who wanted to relax from the stress of running an Empire in the Imperial Capital to the north.

On August 24th, 79 AD, nearby Mount Vesuvius erupted, burying Pompeii is ashes and killing many of the city’s inhabitants. The misfortune of Pompeii and its people became the great good fortune of future archeologists, historians, and travelers as the thick layer of ash preserved the city as it existed in the time of the Caesars. The city was discovered in the 17th Century and excavations began in the middle of the 17th Century. An intact Roman city was slowly, but surely unearthed, with its homes, temples, treasures, and every day objects. A visit to the city is like taking a trip back in time nearly two thousand years.

Some of the highlights of the city include:

The Main Forum

The Forum was the center of political and social life in any Roman town, and Pompeii was no exception. The Forum of Pompeii is in the center of the town and is a good starting point for any exploration of Pompeii. Various public buildings, including the Temple of Jupiter, the Temple of Apollo, the Temple of Vespasian, and the Basilica face the forum. The Forum is also decorated with columns and other ornaments. It also has an excellent view of Mount Vesuvius.

The Triangular Forum

The Triangular Forum is on the southern part of Pompeii and stretched between the sea and the river Sarno. It has magnificent gateways with ionic columns and a portico of 95 Doric columns.

The Arch of Caligula

This memorial arch is called the Arch of Caligula because an equestrian statue depicting the Roman Emperor was found nearby and was thought to have been atop it.