Why is Pompeii referred to as the lost city?

Pompeii was a thriving city in the Roman Empire, located in the region of Campania in present-day Italy. In the year 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius, a nearby volcano, erupted and buried the city under ash and pumice, preserving it remarkably well.

Pompeii remained hidden for centuries until its rediscovery in the 18th century. Due to the volcanic eruption and the subsequent preservation, the city is often referred to as the "lost city" because it was lost to time and buried beneath layers of volcanic material.

The term "lost city" also alludes to the fact that Pompeii was a bustling and vibrant city that was suddenly and unexpectedly abandoned and frozen in time. The remains of the city, including its buildings, streets, and artifacts, provide a glimpse into everyday life and culture in ancient Rome.