This is the other ancient city devastated by the major eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE. Unlike Pompeii, Ercolano was buried in mud. It is a much smaller city, but was far better preserved. Many buildings still have at least remnants of their second floors. There are numerous decorative artworks on walls and ceilings that still show vibrant color after nearly 2000 years. Like Pompeii, the city shows the existence of a very high level of artistic and engineering skills.