Pompeii and nearby Herculaneum disappeared from the face of the earth on August 24, 79 A.D., when Mt. Vesuvius erupted, enveloping the town in volcanic lava. The death count in Pompeii was 2,000 people, its entire population. In total, Mount Vesuvius killed 20,000 people in a 20-mile radius in less than three hours.

The Basilica was the most important building in Pompeii. It served the administration of justice, and for meetings of business men to discuss their affairs. The Basilica was one of the busiest places in Pompeii. The building was constructed in pre-Roman times (120 BC).

The Temple of Apollo is the oldest sanctuary at Pompeii along with the Doric Temple. Pompeii was preserved extremely well because of the ash. Fabulous, colorful art work covered the walls; pots and pans were still in one piece. Surviving decoration dates from 575-550 BC. The Forum was the city's main square and the center of public life in Pompeii. The square was surrounded by religious, political and business buildings.

The Central Baths constitute the most modern version of Roman Baths. They were constructed after the earthquakes of 62 AD and were never completed before the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD. The baths covered a whole block of Pompeii. The design includes pools, changing rooms and toilets.