When Vesuvius erupted, life in Pompeii ended instantly. The ash preserved much of the city for thousands of years. What you see today offers a glimpse into life in Roman times.

Discover details of everyday life. On the floor of one house, named Sirico’s, read an inscription Salve lucro meaning Welcome, profit. This indicates a trading company once operated here. Find wine jars labeled Vesuvinum, a clever mix of Vesuvius and the Latin word for wine, vinum. This could be the world’s first known marketing pun.

Hear the full story with the Official Pompeii Audio Guide. Visit the ruins and see history come to life as if reading a history book.