FUNES Digital Heritage Archive

Pompeii

The origins of Pompeii date back to the 8th century BC when the Oscans, an Italic people, established settlements in the area. Over the centuries, the city came under the influence of various powers, including the Greeks, Etruscans, and Samnites, before ultimately being conquered by the Romans in 89 BC. Under Roman rule, Pompeii flourished as a bustling commercial center and a popular resort for wealthy Romans. The city's strategic location near the Sarno River and the Bay of Naples made it an important hub for trade and maritime activities.