Quick note for anyone who hasn't visited, and has an interest in western civilization: Pompeii, and the somewhat more impressive nearby Herculaneum are well worth visiting at least once. It's really not possible to have the experience remotely from pictures or videos, not the same as being physically immersed. Best to avoid the high summer due to heat and load, but go then if you have no alternative. Herculaneum in particular is never that busy because harder to get to and less publicity.