The volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Pompeii was one of the largest ever, covering the city in up to 16 feet of ash. Pompeii was accidentally discovered in 1863 while searching for another buried city, Herculaneum, but wasn't seriously excavated until 1923. Archaeologists found artifacts that provided insights into the lives of the people through casts created when ash hardened around the bodies, including casts of a dog, woman, and man in their last moments. Many of the excavated artifacts are now on display at museums, allowing the public to learn about this buried city.