Toxic gases from the eruption of Mt Vesuvius in 79 AD killed all the inhabitants of Pompeii, and vocanic ash then buried the city. Excavations of the ruins began
in 1861, and now the site is open to the public. The art in the homes of the wealthier residents is amazing. Some have entire floors of inlaid mosaics which survive
well to this day. Examples in the house of Menander can be seen in the photos below 3rd row). Some paintings on the walls are also amazingly well preserved.