The ancient city buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD was Pompeii. Located near modern-day Naples, Italy, Pompeii was a thriving Roman city known for its advanced architecture, art, and vibrant lifestyle. The catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius covered Pompeii in a thick layer of ash and pumice, preserving the city remarkably well. Archaeological excavations that began in the 18th century revealed a wealth of artifacts that provide insight into daily life during the Roman Empire, including buildings, frescoes, and preserved bodies. Pompeii remains an important site for studying ancient Roman culture and history.