A herd of sheep is helping archaeologists keep intact the ancient ruins of Pompeii, the Roman city that was buried under meters of pumice and ash after the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, Reuters reports.

Pompeii was rediscovered in the 18th century. The excavation site is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, where sensational discoveries have repeatedly taken place.

Archaeologists have discovered only about two-thirds of Pompeii’s 66-hectare site since excavations began 250 years ago.

Preserving the unexplored parts of the ancient city from the erosion of nature and time is a priority for those who manage the archaeological site.

“If grass and other plants grow inside or on walls and old houses, it’s a problem. So we’re trying to have a sustainable approach to the whole environment, to also avoid using substances, and then to avoid growing greenery to grow plants on walls and ruins,” said Gabriel Zuchtrigel, director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii.

The flock of 150 sheep was sent to Regio V, an area in the north of the city where the grassy hills are dotted with the ruins of old houses and shops.

Regio V is still closed to the millions of visitors who come to Pompeii each year, but as part of its conservation efforts, the archaeological park has begun new excavations at the site in recent years.

Among the impressive discoveries of 2018 were colorful murals, a snack bar and the remains of people who died during the eruption.

Zuchtrigel said the new idea of ​​bringing a flock of sheep to preserve the ruins doesn’t contribute to carbon reduction efforts, but it does help save money and preserve the landscape.

“It’s also something that really gives an idea of ​​what Pompeii was like when it was rediscovered. There were forests, vineyards, vineyards, sheep, and it was such a rural environment, and in the middle of it was Pompeii,” said the director of the Pompeii Archaeological Park.