An ancient city of southern Italy southeast of Naples. Founded in the sixth or early fifth century BC, it was a Roman colony by 80 BC and became a prosperous port and resort with many noted villas, temples, theaters, and baths. Pompeii was destroyed by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. The incredibly well-preserved ruins were rediscovered in 1748 and have been extensively excavated.
User Defined Definitions
"ancient city to the southeast of Naples that was buried by a volcanic eruption from Vesuvius"