Pompeii was the ancient city of Rome, where Pompeii was buried four to six metres deep under ash and pumice when Mount Vesuvius erupted in AD 79. So much of the city is kept under the ashes, providing a unique snapshot of Roman life, frozen when buried by ash, and providing extremely detailed insights into the daily lives of its inhabitants. It was once a wealthy city, with many fine public buildings and luxurious private houses decorated with exquisite furniture and artwork.