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Pompei is an ancient Roman city located near Naples in southern Italy. It is famous for being destroyed and buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The city was rediscovered in the late 16th century and has since been a major archaeological site and tourist attraction.

The city was originally founded in the 7th or 6th century BC and became an important Roman city during the 2nd century BC. At the time of the eruption, Pompei had a population of around 11,000 people and was a thriving commercial center with an extensive road network, public buildings, and residential neighborhoods.

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried the city under layers of ash and pumice, preserving much of the city’s architecture and artifacts. The city was abandoned and forgotten until its rediscovery in the late 16th century. Since then, extensive excavations have revealed much about life in ancient Pompei, including the layout of the city, the daily lives of its inhabitants, and the cultural and artistic achievements of the Roman world.

Today, Pompei is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Italy. Visitors can explore the ancient city and see its many well-preserved buildings, such as the Forum, the Temple of Apollo, and the Amphitheatre. There is also a museum on site that houses many of the artifacts found during the excavations.