Mount Vesuvius erupts, August 24 79 AD

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius on August 24, 79 AD, during the reign of Emperor Titus, destroyed the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. It was one of the most catastrophic volcanic eruptions in European history, resulting in thousands of deaths.

The cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum

During the early Roman Empire, Pompeii and Herculaneum were flourishing Roman towns located on the Bay of Naples in present-day Italy. On the one hand, Pompeii, a centre of commerce and culture, was home to approximately 20,000 inhabitants. Its intricate architecture, bustling marketplaces, and luxurious villas reflected the prosperity of the Empire. On the other, Herculaneum, a city of 5,000 inhabitants, was known for its picturesque waterfront and elegant villas that served as summer retreats for the Roman elite. Bearing the name of the legendary hero Hercules, this embodied opulence at its zenith. Beyond these illustrious cities, the vicinity hosted other enclaves catering to leisure and reprieve, including the serene hamlet of Stabiae.

The Eruption of Mount Vesuvius

On August 24, 79 AD, at approximately midday, the affluent cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were suddenly struck by disaster when Mount Vesuvius erupted with extreme force. The eruption released a colossal mushroom cloud composed of ash and pumice, reaching a height of 10 miles. According to experts, it released 100,000 times the thermal energy of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In the following twelve hours, volcanic ash and a hail of pumice stones showered Pompei, driving the inhabitants into a state of sheer terror and forcing them to seek escape.

At first, Herculaneum seemed to be protected from the eruption by a westerly wind, but then a giant cloud of hot ash and gas emerged from the volcano, engulfing the city. This was followed by a surge of volcanic mud and rock, which buried it. Meanwhile, in Pompeii, the morning of August 25 saw the remaining inhabitants meet a similar fate when they were suffocated by a cloud of toxic gas that reached the city. Soon afterwards, an avalanche of rock and ash followed, collapsing roofs and burying the dead.

Much of our understanding of the eruption is drawn from the firsthand account provided by Pliny the Younger, a witness to the disaster. According to his chronicle, the eruption lasted 18 hours. Pliny the Younger, who was seventeen at the time, escaped the disaster and later earned a notable legacy as a prominent Roman author and administrator. However, his uncle, Pliny the Elder, a renowned naturalist, was less fortunate. Holding command of the Roman fleet anchored in the Bay of Naples, he crossed the bay to Stabiae in an attempt to investigate the eruption and provide reassurance to the frightened populace. Unfortunately, he passed away due to the toxic gas that had blanketed the region.

Aftermath of the Eruption

The aftermath saw Pompeii submerged beneath layers of ash and pumice, burying it under a mound that ranged from 14 to 17 feet in depth. Simultaneously, Herculaneum lay concealed beneath an even more formidable shroud of more than 60 feet of mud and volcanic remnants. The human toll of the eruption was staggering. It is estimated that thousands of people lost their lives that day. In response to the calamity, Titus designated two former consuls with the task of orchestrating and synchronizing the relief effort. Moreover, he also contributed substantial sums from the imperial coffers to aid the victims affected by the eruption.

Pompeii and Herculaneum were frozen in time and remained hidden beneath layers of ash and debris for nearly 1,700 years. It wasn't until the 18th century that archaeological excavations began, uncovering the remnants of the cities that provided unique insights into Roman life and society. The remains of the Forum, the luxurious bathhouses, an array of residences, and even some villas, such as the renowned Villa of the Mysteries, have been astonishingly well-maintained. For this reason, Pompeii stands nowadays as one of Italy's most sought-after tourist destinations and carries the prestigious mantle of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Moreover, ongoing excavations continue to unveil fresh revelations that enrich our comprehension of Roman history and culture, perpetuating the allure of this ancient city for contemporary explorers.