Pompeii was probably founded by the Oscans around the 8th century BC. This ancient Italic people settled on the southern slopes of Mount Vesuvius along the banks of the Sarno River, which was navigable at the time. Pompeii became an important commercial center early on, catching the interest of the invading Greeks and Etruscans. The Etruscans were conquered on the waters off Cuma, and the city came under domination by the Samnites in the 5th century BC.
As a Samnite city, Pompeii entered into the Nucerine League and the tufo stone city walls were both expanded and fortified, allowing the city itself to grow. Pompeii became known as an important exporter of olive oil and wine, benefiting from the Mediterranean free market under Roman protection.
After the end of the Samnite Wars in 80 BC, the city came under Roman dominance and in 89 BC Publius Cornelius Silla took up residency there along with a group of veterans, renaming the city Colonia Venerea Pompeianorum Sillana.
During its Roman period, the city reached its architectural and economic peak, transforming into one of the most popular recreational and resort towns of the Roman aristocracy. During the Imperial Age, many wealthy Roman families moved to Pompeii, and buildings like the Temple of Fortuna Augusta and the Building of Eumachia are testimony to this influx.
Under the Emperor Nero, the city was seriously damaged due to a strong earthquake in 62 AD, and rebuilding immediately began. Work was interrupted on 24 August of 79 AD by the disastrous eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which buried the city under volcanic ash.

Visiting the crater on Mount Vesuvius

A cloud, from which mountain was uncertain, at this distance (but it was found afterwards to come from Mount Vesuvius), was ascending, the appearance of which I cannot give you a more exact description of than by likening it to that of a pine tree, for it shot up to a great height in the form of a very tall trunk, which spread itself out at the top into a sort of branches; occasioned, I imagine, either by a sudden gust of air that impelled it, the force of which decreased as it advanced upwards, or the cloud itself being pressed back again by its own weight, expanded in the manner I have mentioned; it appeared sometimes bright and sometimes dark and spotted, according as it was either more or less impregnated with earth and cinders."

(Pliny the Younger)

Excavation of Pompeii began in 1748 under King of Naples Charles III of Bourbon, who was interested in the project's prestige for the royal house and did not undertake the dig with particular scientific or systematic vigor. Excavation work increased during the French occupation at the beginning of the 19th century, though was halted almost completely with the return of the Bourbon kings. During this period came the discovery of the House of the Faun, with its excellent mosaic depicting the Battle of Alexander at Issus. The discovery created such a stir that archaeological work began again at the site, this time using scientific methodology, careful record keeping, and plaster casting. From 1924 to 1961, work was overseen by the Italian archaeologist Amedeo Maiuri and included important discoveries.
In recent years, excavations of new areas in the site have been halted and work is concentrated on restoring and maintaining buildings that have already been unearthed.
Pompeii archaeological park is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. When you visit, perhaps with a guided tour, a private tour, or a small group tour, you’ll experience a wealth of history showing daily life in the ancient city of Pompeii. A walking tour with an expert guide is a wonderful way to explore Pompeii. You can also organize a visit at your own pace, with a brief visit of just two hours all the way to a full day tour. Below are some suggestions for sites we recommend for a walking tour of Pompeii.

It isn't easy to get around Pompeii with a stroller or pushchair, as the ancient Roman roads that cross the city are not navigable on wheels. Wheelchair users can follow a special marked route with the free map provided at the entrance, and the same itinerary can be followed with a stroller. Regardless, the best way to visit with infants and young children is by using a carrier or backpack. There are a number of Baby Points inside the archaeological park, which are small bungalows marked on the map. You can request keys at the park entrance and use these spaces to change and feed your infant in complete privacy.

If you've decided to dedicate a full day to Pompeii, the best option for lunch is packing a picnic to eat inside the park. You'll find a number of picnic areas marked on the park map available that's available at the entrance. Large bags are not allowed inside, so you'll have to pack your food and beverages in small bags or backpacks. Purchase your supplies in Naples or Sorrento, as the snack bars inside the park are expensive.
In Sorrento, the Salumeria Aprea (located on Via Tasso in the historic center and at the beginning of Via del Mare) makes excellent Caprese sandwiches and often has “casatiello,” a soft savory bread baked with diced ham, traditionally made at Easter. In Naples, pick up a sandwich at a cafè or take-away near the Stazione Centrale, or stop in Eccellenze della Costiera to choose some traditional sweet treats from the Amalfi Coast.

For a sit-down meal:

• Hortus (tel: +39 081 536 4566) Located along the road between the train station and the Porta Marina entrance, this spot is popular among tourists and offers a number of take-away options for a light lunch, or local dishes served in the pleasantly cool citrus garden.

• Caupona (tel: +39 081 1855 7911) If you want to continue your historical experience, walk five minutes from Villa dei Misteri to this restaurant opposite Piazza Esedra. It serves ancient recipes created by the Roman gourmet Marcus Gavius Apicius, served on terracotta plates by waiters dressed in period garb against the background of ancient music and frescoed walls inspired by Pompeii.