I've been fascinated with the subject of Pompeii and Herculaneum but have always been confused by one aspect of the story. Everything I've ever watched or read regarding this subject says that the discovery of Pompeii was completely accidental, however, it's also said there are eyewitness accounts of the destruction that survived. So, as I asked in the title, did historians back in the day know that Pompeii and Herculaneum existed and had they ever attempted to find them? In addition, if not, why? Especially if we know there were written accounts of the tragedy.