The discovery of the lost city of Pompeii destroyed by the eruption of Vesuvius in 29 A.D. allowed an understanding of this ancient world. This guide tells the story of Pompeii: its history, its catastrophic end and its rediscovery in the 18th century. It shows all the major buildings, streets and decorations in photographs and artwork to enable the reader to see the city exactly as it appeared on that fateful day before it was buried under tons of volcanic ash.