These pictures will make you want to visit Pompeii, which was covered under a layer of volcanic ash thousands of years ago

On August 24, 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius, a 4,000-foot volcano near the Bay of Naples in Italy, erupted, taking down an entire city.

Pompeii was buried under an almost 20-foot blanket of volcanic ash that flooded the city, killing 2,000 people.

It was one of the world's most famous and deadly volcanic eruptions.

The city was left untouched until explorers rediscovered it in 1748, finding that the ancient Roman city was virtually intact underneath the dust and dirt.

Here are 17 photos that show why Pompeii has been a popular tourist destination for over 250 years.

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Romans of the first century AD lived in Pompeii, and pretty much turned it into a vacation destination for the wealthy. The seaside city overlooked the Gulf of Naples.

As a resort for Rome's rich, elegant villas lined wide, paved streets.

Some of these villas have been restored and are open to visitors, like the Casa del Fauno and Casa del Menandro. These extravagant homes feature courtyards and atriums, and are filled with mosaics and marble floors. ​Casa del Menandro even has a private bathhouse.

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