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The city of Herculaneum is named after the legendary Greek hero Hercules, who, according to the account of Dionysius of Halicarnassus, founded it in 1243 BC. More credible studies suggest that the city was established by the Oscans in the 12th century BC or by the Etruscans, later being conquered by the Samnites in the 5th century BC. It wasn’t until 90 BC that the Romans captured the city and transformed it into a “municipium.” During the late Roman Republic, Herculaneum experienced a period of great prosperity, becoming a popular resort for many patrician families due to its seaside location, healthy air, and mild climate. The city was vibrant and populous when the earthquake of 62 AD caused significant damage, and reconstruction efforts were still ongoing when the tragic eruption of Vesuvius occurred in 79 AD. The toxic cloud from the eruption devastated the population, and the entire city was sealed under pyroclastic flows that solidified to a height of about 16 meters, preserving many organic artifacts for us, including textiles, plants, food, and wooden structures.

Herculaneum has experienced a unique preservation phenomenon that is unparalleled, even compared to nearby Pompeii. The 16 meters of pyroclastic material and mud that buried the city allowed for the conservation of two-story domus, which revealed wooden and marble architectural elements, jewelry, furnishings, and many organic artifacts. These finds have provided detailed insights into the lifestyle of the ancient Herculaneans.

We recommend dedicating half a day to visit the Herculaneum Archaeological Site. Following our suggested itinerary, you can explore the most representative buildings of the ancient city in just 2-3 hours. Along with the itinerary, this page also highlights must-see locations along the way, marked with numbers on the free map available at the entrance to the excavations, which you can also download at the bottom of this page.