Herculaneum
was covered by volcanic mud during the A.D. 79 Mount Vesuvius
eruption, which quickly hardened to a semi-rock material. As a
result, excavations have been much slower here than at
Pompeii, and although the first Herculaneum discovery dates
back to 1709, the uncovered area here is much smaller. Also, a
large part of the ancient town lies under the modern one,
which has slowed down the process further. The findings,
though, are stunning, mainly because Herculaneum is thought to
have been a glitzy seaside resort for wealthy Romans, and so
boasts villas even more elaborate than those of Pompeii.
Excursion to Herculaneum
