Herculaneum

Herculaneum is of Greek origin: the legend attributes its foundation to Hercules. From 500 to. C. was under the influence of Naples and Cuma, then passed to the Samnites. Subdued by Rome became a seaside resort for the rich Roman patricians. As early as 62 d. C. an earthquake had damaged several buildings; 17 years later, while still being rebuilt, a terrible eruption of Vesuvius buried the city under a sea of lava and mud.
But thanks to this, unlike Pompeii, wooden structures and furniture remained almost intact: what has been brought to light by long excavations plays an exceptional interest to document the customs, habits and art of the Roman age.

Sculptures, paintings, and many other precious objects are now in the National Museum of Naples.