7It was once occupied by Greeks

Researchers believe that before Pompeii was a Roman town, it originally belonged to – and was ruled and inhabited by – the ancient Greeks.

They can’t be sure of the exact dates during which the area was occupied by the Greeks, but there are fragments of a Greek Doric Temple in Pompeii. This temple dates back to the 6th century BC – and you can get up close to it on a day trip from Rome.