The ancient city famously destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79 was Pompeii. Located near the Bay of Naples in Italy, Pompeii was a thriving Roman city that became buried under a thick blanket of volcanic ash and pumice. This catastrophic event preserved the city remarkably well, providing valuable insights into Roman life, architecture, and culture at that time. Excavations of Pompeii have revealed intricate frescoes, mosaics, and everyday objects, making it an invaluable archaeological site and a window into the past.