Pompeii was founded by one of the oldest of the Italic people, "gens pompeiana", part of the Osci, in the 8-th century BC.  Because of its location (on the only road between North and South, and the only road between the sea and inland fertile valleys), Pompeii became such a desirable location that was constantly under attack by the various powers of the time.  It was occupied, in turn, by the Greeks, Etruscans, Samnites and the Romans.  

Monumental jinx:  Mount Vesuvius was not the first to bring disaster: in 62 AD the town was leveled by a terrible earthquake.  For 15 years after the earthquake the brave Pompeians worked at rebuilding the city, restoring the industrial and commercial activities and were completing repairs and expansion of the temples, when they were struck again.  The devastation was so total that this 900 year old city was never rebuilt.  Some looted the ruins near the surface, but the fear of this place was so great that Pompeii was completely forgotten, all trace of it was lost. 

This was really a good thing for us, because, after judicious excavations, we now have an almost unique opportunity to step back in time nineteen centuries, and see exactly what the city (and many of its frozen inhabitants) looked like nineteen centuries ago.

The view presented in this 360 degree panorama shows the following:

	money changers' shops
	the Forum
	at the far end of the Forum City Government buildings (Duumvirs) and Municipal Council (Curia)
	pedestals of imperial statues
	a tribune for speakers (Suggestum)
	entrance to the Temple of Jupiter
	the Arch of Tiberius

Be sure to experience the free Virtual Reality movie.  You may also order the full-screen, full-resolution version for even better immersion.