11th October 2011 - Herculaneum.

Ancient mythology suggests Herculaneum was founded by Hercules when he returned from Iberia after performing the tenth of his twelve labours.

With Greek origins Herakleion was known as Herculaneum by the Romans.

With Greek origins Herakleion was known as Herculaneum by the Romans.

The Campagian coast has Greek, Samnite and Roman influences.

Unlike Pompeii which was a merchant town, Herculaneum on the coast was a high class resort with elegant residences on the slopes of Vesuvius.

Closer to Vesuvius than Pompeii, Herculaneum was engulfed by a mud slide when the Volcano erupted in 79AD.

Fleeing to the sea the residents met a giant tidal wave.

The mud has preserved human remains, boats and even the wooden doors, furnishings and flooring of the townhouses.

It is a 500m walk downhill, towards the sea, from the Circumvesuviana station of Ercolano.

All images © Ian Foster / fozimage