Pompeii

Was an ancient Roman city near modern Naples in the Campania region of Italy, in the territory of the comune of Pompei. Along with Herculaneum and many villas in the surrounding area (e.g. at Boscoreale, Stabiae), it was buried under 4 to 6 m of volcanic ash and pumice in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Many of the inhabitants were also buried before they could escape.

It has been a tourist destination for over 250 years. Today it has UNESCO World Heritage Site status and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, with approximately 2.5 million visitors every year.

Objects buried beneath the site were well-preserved for almost 2,000 years as the lack of air and moisture allowed little to no deterioration. However, it has been exposed to natural and anthropic deterioration following excavation.

Weathering, erosion, light exposure, water damage, poor methods of excavation and reconstruction, introduced plants and animals, tourism, vandalism and theft have all damaged the site in some way. The lack of adequate weather protection for all but the most interesting and important buildings has allowed original interior decoration to fade or be lost. Two-thirds of the city has been excavated, but the remnants of the city are rapidly deteriorating. Wikipedia

Photo Gallery of Archaeological Park