This is how Pompeii looks today. It's an open-air
museum and it's very popular with tourists. The
town is in ruins, but you can still see the remains
of the ancient streets and houses. You can imagine
life two thousand years ago! You can also see
people preserved by the boiling volcanic ash with
terrified expressions on their faces.
Imagine Pompeii before the eruption: a very busy
city populated by rich people, with a lot of shops,
squares, schools and markets. In the middle of the
city there is an enormous amphitheatre, a type of
sports stadium of great importance in the town.
Think of this amphitheatre on special days in the
past: a place full of people, gladiators and lions.
Definitely not a very safe place to go!