The area of Mount Vesuvius (Campania, Italy) is located at the center of this course, which will examine its archaeological sites: Pompeii, Herculaneum and the nearby villae (including Stabiae and Oplontis). In addition to analyzing the ancient literary sources that testify the existence of these cities and to reviewing the main moments of the history of their discovery, excavation and conservation, it is intended to offer students a detailed knowledge of the historical evolution and urban development of these sites. Students will have the opportunity to explore the main monuments (walls, streets, hydraulic systems, temples, civic / public buildings, tombs, domestic spaces, etc.) and to examine the archaeological material obtained during the excavations. The objective is to observe critically the interpretations that specialists have forged about the functions and chronology of the Vesubian architectural complexes.