7Pompeii – Italy
The Roman city of Pompeii was a thriving metropolis until the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. The city was buried under layers of volcanic ash and pumice, preserving much of its architecture, artifacts, and even the remains of its residents. Rediscovered in the 18th century, Pompeii provides a remarkably detailed snapshot of daily life in ancient Rome. From well-preserved frescoes and mosaics to public baths and amphitheaters, Pompeii offers an intimate look into a world frozen in time by disaster.