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Oplontis
40.7570° N, 14.4530° E
About
Oplontis is an ancient Roman archaeological site, located in the town of Torre Annunziata, south of Naples in the Campania region of southern Italy. The excavated site comprises two Roman villas, the best-known of which is Villa A, the so-called Villa Poppaea. Like the nearby towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Oplontis was buried in ash during the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. However, the force of the eruption was even stronger than at these cities as not only roofs collapsed, but walls and columns were broken and pieces thrown sideways.
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's history
Villa B construction
end of 2nd century BCE
Additions to Villa B
after 50 BC
Villa A earliest phase
c. 50 BC
Pompeii earthquake damage
AD 62
Vesuvius eruption
AD 79
Aqueduct discovery
1593–1600
La Vega tunnel explorations
1785
Rusca excavations
1839–1840
Industrial-era finds
from 1880
1934 construction discoveries
1934
Friends of Oplontis committee formed
1962
Full-scale excavations begin
1964
Records standardised
1971
Villa B discovery
1974
Human skeleton found
1975
Archaeological Features
Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Storage Structures
Miscellaneous Features
Water Management Features
Public and Civic Structures
Burial and Funerary Structures
Industrial and Craft Structures
Artistic and Decorative Features
Agricultural and Land Use Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Food Production and Processing Features
Transportation and Communication Structures
Frequently Asked Questions
Plan Your Visit
Tours, travel arrangements, and practical information
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