What was ancient pompeii's function in the roman empire?

Question

What was ancient pompeii's function in the roman empire?

Answer 1

Pompeii was a resort town. A number of wealthy romans had summer homes there, and the residents made most of their money from tourism.

Answer 2

It didn't have a 'function' as such. It was just one of a number of cities founded by the Romans on the Italian peninsular. It was the home, however, of Poppaea, Nero's wife.