Herculaneum is an ancient Roman city located in Italy, near present-day Naples. It was buried under volcanic ash and preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, alongside the more famous city of Pompeii. Herculaneum, known in Latin as Herculaneum or Ercolano in Italian, was founded by Greek settlers in the 6th century BC.
The city prospered under Roman rule and became a popular resort for wealthy Romans, adorned with beautiful villas, elaborate frescoes, and intricate mosaics. Herculaneum boasted a bustling port and a thriving economy, attracting merchants and tourists alike.
The catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius buried Herculaneum under a thick layer of ash and volcanic debris, preserving the city's infrastructure, artifacts, and even human remains in an exceptional state. Excavations began in the 18th century, revealing a remarkably well-preserved snapshot of ancient Roman life.
Herculaneum provides invaluable insights into various facets of Roman society, including its architecture, art, daily life, and even the effects of the volcanic disaster. The ruins offer a vivid picture of a prosperous ancient city, with its buildings, streets, shops, and public baths intact.
Today, Herculaneum stands as an archaeological treasure and an important UNESCO World Heritage Site. It continues to captivate visitors who marvel at its exceptional state of preservation and the fascinating glimpse it offers into the daily life of an ancient Roman city.
