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Home > Travel Italy > Italy Destinations > Pompei
Pompei
Italy, officially the Italian Republic or Repubblica Italiana, is a Southern European country comprising of the Po River valley, the Italian Peninsula and the two largest islands in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily and Sardinia. It is shaped like a boot and for this reason Italians commonly call it lo Stivale, the boot or, due to its prevalent peninsular geographical nature, la Penisola, the Peninsula.
Pompeii is a ruined Roman city near modern Naples in the Italian region of Campania, in the territory of the commune of Pompei. It was devastated during a disastrous eruption of the volcano Mount Vesuvius in 79 After Death. It buried the city under many feet of ash and it was lost for 1,600 years prior to its rediscovery. From then, its excavation has offered a detailed insight in the life of the city, which was at the height of the Roman Empire. Presently, it is one of Italy's most important tourist attractions and a world heritage site. The ruins of Pompeii are situated at coordinates 40 degrees north and 14 degrees east near the modern suburban town of Pompei.
Pompeii is situated on a spur formed by lava flow to the north of the mouth of the Sarno River. Currently, it is some inland, but in ancient times, it was near a coast area. The town was founded around the 6th century by the Osci or Oscans, people of central Italy. It was already used as a safe port by Greek and Phoenician sailors. When the Etruscans threatened an attack, Pompeii allied with the Greeks and dominated the Gulf of Naples. In the 5th century, the Samnites conquered it and all the other towns of Campania. The new rulers imposed their architecture and enlarged the town.
A city known for its historic myths and traditions, scenic beauty, cooperative people and luxurious hotels and cottages, Pompeii is one of the favorite holiday destinations for most of the vacation lovers.
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