Herculaneum is situated to the northwest of Mt. Vesuvius. In contrast to the material that devastated Pompei, what covered Herculaneum was a heavy mixture of volcanic lava that mixed with sea water and formed a backwash mixed with mud. This gunk harded as it cooled, making excavations there extremely difficult.

Only partially excavated, Herculaneum sits below and underneath the modern city by the same name. It is possible to see at the end of some of the excavated streets how, if the work were to continue, it would require removing present-day buildings.

Herculaneum, also in contrast to Pompei, was a mostly agricultural and fishing village of an estimated 600-2000 residents. There was a mixed population of some wealthy families, as judged by the remains of the homes and art work, as well as workers and slaves.

One home, perhaps used by Lucullus, the Roman general who became known for his gourmet taste, has a large dining area. With some imagination, one can envision people eating under the pergola, overlooking the Bay of Naples. Lucullus is said to have "used the vast treasure he amassed during his wars in the East to live a life of luxury. He had splendid gardens outside the city of Rome, as well as villas around Tusculum and Neapolis. The one near Neapolis included fish ponds and man-made extensions into the sea, [10] and was only one of many elite senators' villas around the Bay of Naples." (quoted from Wikipedia).