The remains of the ancient town can be visited
Ancient BuildingErcolano
Ancient City Herculaneum
The ancient city of Herculaneum in Campania on the Gulf of Naples was buried like Pompeii in 79 AD by the eruption of Vesuvius.
History+
The origins of Herculaneum date back a long way, with its name suggesting a Greek foundation, already known as Herakleion in 314 BC. The city, surrounded by a wall and located on an important coastal road, came under Roman influence from 307 BC. During the Social War, it was occupied by rebels in 89 BC but quickly recaptured by Sulla's troops. Herculaneum retained its status as a municipium and was governed by two chief magistrates. At the time of its destruction, this small port city had about 4000 inhabitants, whose economy was mainly based on fishing, agriculture, and crafts. Despite its small size, the excavated houses show prosperity. Herculaneum was a popular summer retreat for wealthy Romans, who built villas there, including the Villa dei Papiri.
Location+
The ancient city of Herculaneum is located in Ercolano, in the Naples district of the Campania region, Italy, at an elevation of approximately 23 m above sea level.
On site+
The ruins of the ancient city of Herculaneum are now accessible to visitors.
Take Mobile History with you
You are reading this text for free. Premium adds what matters on the road: descriptions read aloud, sites found through your camera, whole regions taken offline.
- Every description, including the ~17,700 Premium sites
- Audio guide: have descriptions read to you on location
- AR finder: see sites through your camera, with distance and bearing
- Unlimited saved sites
14 days free, then from €2.99 a month. Cancel anytime.
Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Gesamtansicht_Ausgrabungen.jpg
This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.
Location: 40.8060, 14.3479