This paper shows the general history of the ancient city of Pompeii from its very beginnings until the eruption of the Vesuvius volcano that destroyed the city, but the pyroclastic material that covered it, partially preserved the structure of the town, so archaeological research is still being carried out. The city is part of the bay of Naples, which attracted merchants, so Pompeii was home to various peoples, such as the Etruscans, Greeks and native people Oskans. The authority over the city was taken over by the italics Samnites who, during long-term conflicts, lost Pompeii to the new great power of Rome. Pompeii is from 80 BC a roman colony that changed its political structure, its language to latin end everything else under their auspices. The greatest traces of the Roman authority are visible in the rich architectural construction, which was modeled after the capital city of Rome. The most important center of the city is the forum around which were built buildings of political and commercial functions, but also those of a religious character. In addition to the forum, the city had a cultural and entertainment area with teaters and amphitheatar. Everyday life of Pompeii stopped after the volcanic eruption in 79 AD, after which the city remained hidden until it was rediscovered in the 17th century.