3. Pompeii was originally settled in around the 7th century BC by the Oscan people. The port city was in a good location for trade as well as farming. The rich volcanic soil from earlier eruptions of Vesuvius created great farmland for grapes and olive trees. There was a large amphitheater that could seat around 20,000 people for gladiator games. There were also a number of theatres for plays, religious celebrations and musical concerts. In the 5th century the city was taken over by the Romans. It became an official Roman colony in 80 BC called the Colonia Veneria Cornelia Pompeii.

5. THE LAVA IS REALLY HOT. IT CAN REACH 2,120 FARENHEIT.