When Vesuvius erupted on 24 August 79 A.D. it engulfed the two flourishing Roman towns of Pompei and Herculaneum, as well as the many rich villas in the area. Since the mid 18th century these have been progressively uncovered and made accessible to the public.

The vast expanse of the commercial town of Pompei contrasts with the restricted but better preserved remains of the holiday resort of Herculaneum, while the superb wall paintings of the Villa Oplontis at Torre Annunziata give a vivid impression of the opulent life-style of the wealthier citizens of the early Roman Empire. The excavations are still today uncompleted.