1. Seven-year war ravages Europe and changes balance of power overseas

2. American Colonies win independence from Britain

3. Revolutionaries overthrow monarchy in France

4. Captain James Cook explores Pacific

5. Knowledge of the day published in Encyclopedie

6. Major scientific advances achieved

7. Power-driven machinery brings growth to textile industry

8. Ancient Roman riches unearthed near Vesuvius

9. Peter the Great westernizes Russia

10. Development of a practical steam engine

8. Ancient Roman riches unearthed near Vesuvius

In 1738, the government of Naples began an extensive excavation project to uncover the treasures of legendary ancient Roman cities in the area. The cities were covered by volcanic debris after the eruption of Vesuvius centuries ago. Digging at the sites has been slow, but excavators have begun to uncover some magnificent statues from Roman times. Concern about possible theft of the ancient objects has prompted increased vigilance around the sites.

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