Pompeii is one of those places I have always dreamed of going to one day. Its beautiful villas and ghastly stone figures provide a humbling contrast to the life of the Roman Empire.
The sudden eruption of Mount Vesuvius, while tragic, has provided a wealth of archaeological knowledge. Excavations have revealed intact houses and villas, depicting how life would have been like for people living in the coastal city.
Ruins of the Pompeii Forum overlooked by Mount Vesuvius
Primarily known as a vacation destination, Pompeii was a stomping ground for many of the wealthy elite of the Roman Empire, leaving countless lavish houses and estates