On Monday, September 21, a team of archaeologists discovered a Pre-Roman era tomb in Pompeii. Despite the volcanic catastrophe, the city had faced when Mt. Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD, it was in perfect condition.

“Pompeii continues to be an inexhaustible source of scientific discoveries,” said Massimo Osanna, superintendent at the ancient city site, as reported by sources of NDTV .

The tomb was excavated from the Herculaneaum Gate at Pompeii. The tomb dates back to the Samnite era. The time which reportedly implies the fourth century BC. A number of vases and amphoras were found in perfect condition inside the tomb. The antique pieces gave a rare insight about funerary practices of that era in Pompeii.

“This discovery allows us to carry out research on a historical period which has been relatively unexplored until now at Pompeii. These excavations prove that the city of Pompeii is still alive and that we must preserve it as it continues to provide us with material for research,” said Osanna.

Pompeii, the ancient city of Rome, was frozen in time after Mount Vesuvius erupted on August 24 79AD. After Colosseum in Rome it is the second most visited spot by tourists in Italy, which had 2.7 million tourists in 2014.