Vesuvius buried the city under 20 feet of ash and pumice. This created an oxygen-free seal that halted the natural decay of organic materials and protected the ruins.

Archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli pioneered this technique in the 1860s. The ash had hardened around victims, leaving hollow cavities when their bodies eventually decayed.

Acting as ancient fast-food stalls, thermopolia featured masonry counters with sunken clay jars. They served hot meals to lower-class citizens who lacked private kitchens.

Over 11,000 graffiti inscriptions have been uncovered in Pompeii. These casual carvings offer rare insight into daily Roman life, featuring political ads and romantic poetry.