PHOTO: The Ancient Roman Amphitheater of Pompeii, Italy

The ancient Roman amphitheater at the Pompeii ruins in Italy

The Roman amphitheater of Pompeii, built around 80 BCE, is the world’s oldest surviving stone amphitheater. It was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, which also covered the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum under tons of ash and pyroclastic volcanic mud. Prior to the eruption, the stadium was used for gladiatorial … Read more

PHOTO: Honorary Arch at Pompeii, Italy

Honorary Arch in the ruins of Pompeii, Italy, frames the blown-off top of Mount Vesuvius, which erupted in 79 AD and buried the town under tons of volcanic ash

This Honorary Arch at Pompeii Italy frames the blown-off top of Mount Vesuvius, which erupted in 79 AD and buried the town under tons of volcanic ash. It is located on one end of the Forum, where merchants gathered to sell wares and where most of the public buildings were located.

PHOTO: Ruins of Viridarium at Villa di Poppaea Sabina in Torre Annunziata, Italy

Viridarium at Villa di Poppaea Sabina in ancient Oplontis, now Torre Annunziata

Ruins of the Viridarium at Villa di Poppaea Sabina in ancient Oplontis, now Torre Annunziata. This grand estate, which was completely covered by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD (the same eruption that destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum) was owned by the second wife of Emperor Nero. The circular wall enclosed a “Roman pleasure … Read more