7Pompeii and Herculaneum, Italy (Roman Empire)

Frozen in time by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, Pompeii and Herculaneum represent hauntingly preserved snapshots of Roman life.  

The catastrophic volcanic eruption buried these cities under layers of ash and pumice, encapsulating everyday life and culture. Excavations unveiled remarkably preserved structures, frescoes, and even the haunting plaster casts of the city’s inhabitants, providing unparalleled insights into ancient Roman society.