The ancient city famously destroyed by a volcanic eruption in 79 AD was Pompeii. Located near modern-day Naples, Italy, Pompeii was buried under a thick blanket of volcanic ash and pumice when Mount Vesuvius erupted. The sudden disaster preserved the city remarkably well, providing an extraordinary archaeological site that offers insights into Roman life, culture, and urban planning. The discovery of Pompeii in the 18th century helped historians and archaeologists understand more about ancient Roman society, including the daily routines and social structures of its inhabitants before the catastrophic eruption.