The ancient city buried under volcanic ash in AD 79 is Pompeii. Located near modern Naples, Italy, Pompeii was a thriving Roman city until the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The eruption released a lethal cloud of stones, ashes, and fumes, covering the city and preserving it under layers of ash and debris. Excavations of Pompeii, which began in the 18th century, have revealed remarkably preserved buildings, frescoes, and artifacts, providing invaluable insights into Roman life, culture, and urban planning during its peak.