In the early morning hours of August 24, AD 79, Vesuvius erupted with such force that it destroyed the nearby Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The explosion was so powerful that it threw rocks and ash high into the air, before falling down on the cities, burying them under meters of debris.
For centuries the cities remained hidden, their locations forgotten. It was not until 1599 that Pompeii was rediscovered, and not until 1748 that Herculaneum was found. Since then, excavations have revealed a wealth of information about daily life in Roman times.
The eruption of Vesuvius is ranked as one of the greatest natural disasters in history. But it also provides a unique opportunity to peer into the past and learn about the people who lived there.
Below you will find comprehensive descriptions of the eruption, the volcano, and Vesuvius’ activity today.
Table of Contents
Vesuvius: Eruption
In this section, we take a look at the eruption of Vesuvius, and examine what happened, when the volcano erupted, and how many people died from the eruption.
What Happened to Vesuvius?
Mount Vesuvius erupted and spewed a deadly mixture of ash and gas that buried the nearby city of Pompeii. The disaster was so complete that it preserved Pompeii in extraordinary detail, giving us an unprecedented insight into the everyday life of an ancient civilization.
When Did Vesuvius Erupt?
Vesuvius had many eruptions, but is best known for what occurred in AD 79, and which led to the destruction of the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The eruption began on August 24, with a massive column of volcanic ash and gas rising 20 kilometers into the air.
Pyroclastic Flow
The volcanic eruption spewed ash and pumice over a large area, and a pyroclastic flow consisting of very hot gases and particles.
How Hot Can a Pyroclastic Flow Get?
The temperatures in a pyroclastic cloud can reach up to 1,000 degrees Celsius, and thus Vesuvius’ Pompeii turned its inhabitants into ash so quickly that they would not have felt a thing when death came.
The cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were covered in up to six meters of ash. The ash eventually hardened into a layer called tuff that preserved buildings and objects inside them for centuries. Thus, what was an unparalleled disaster for the inhabitants of this Roman city, became one of the factors that has contributed most to our understanding of the culture and way of life of the Roman Empire.
Marcus Venerius Secundio
Just outside one of Pompeii’s busiest gates in Roman times, for example, the burial chamber of Marcus Venerius Secundio, a Roman custodian of the Temple of Venus, was discovered. Marcus began his life as a slave to the inhabitants of Pompeii, then bought his freedom and became an important priest, before eventually becoming one of the city’s wealthiest citizens.
Among other things, he used his wealth to organize four days of contests, music and theater performances for the people, which must have cost an enormous amount of money.
Completely preserved beds and other objects have also been found, where the wood is still intact. Who would have thought this to be possible, after 2,000 years?
How Many Died From Vesuvius?
It is estimated that 16,000 people died from Vesuvius, making it one of the deadliest volcanoes in history.
Facts About Vesuvius: Volcano in Italy
Mount Vesuvius is a volcano located on the west coast of Italy, approximately 9 km east of Naples and 3 km from Pompeii. Vesuvius is the only active volcano on the European mainland, and is considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world due to the large population living nearby.
Mythology
The name “Vesuvius” is derived from the Latin word for “cone”. The Roman god Vulcan was believed to reside inside the volcano and his forge was said to be responsible for the eruptions. Vesuvius was also associated with the mythological fire-breathing giant Typhon, who was defeated by Zeus and imprisoned beneath the volcano.
Geology
Vesuvius is a stratovolcano, which is a type of volcano formed by the accumulation of lava, ash and rock. Vesuvius is composed of several layers of lava and ash that have been deposited over time. The oldest layer of Vesuvius is approximately 400,000 years old, while the youngest layer is from the eruption in 1944.
Vesuvius Crater
The Vesuvius crater is approximately 450 meters wide and 300 meters deep. It is surrounded by a rim that is about 3 kilometers long. The crater was formed during the last major eruption of Vesuvius in 1944, when the top of the volcano collapsed.
How High Is Vesuvius?
Vesuvius is a cone-shaped volcano that is approximately 1,200 meters high. It has a diameter of about 25 kilometers at its base. Vesuvius is higher than most of the mountains in the area, which vary from 600 to 900 meters in height.
Ancient Sources Mentioning the Eruption of Vesuvius
Vesuvius was first mentioned in writing by the Roman historian Pliny the Elder in 79 AD. Pliny described the eruption of Vesuvius which destroyed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. He also wrote about the mythological associations of Vesuvius, stating that it was the home of the Roman god Vulcan.
Pliny the Younger, the nephew of Pliny the Elder, also wrote about Vesuvius. In a letter to the historian Tacitus, he described the eruption in AD 79 in detail. He recounted how he saw the eruption from a distance, and how his uncle died trying to save people from Pompeii.
The eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 and 1944 were the most famous and documented eruptions of the volcano. However, Vesuvius has erupted many times over the centuries, and it is still an active volcano today.
Vesuvius in Modern Books, Movies and Games
Vesuvius has been featured in many works of popular culture, including the books Pompeii by Robert Harris and The Last Days of Pompeii by Edward Bulwer-Lytton. The volcano is also the setting for the final battle in the movie Gladiator, and has been featured in video games, such as Civilization IV and Assassin’s Creed II.
Vesuvius: Activity
In this section, we will go into Vesuvius’ activity, how many times Vesuvius has erupted, when the volcano last erupted, whether it is still active today, and whether it is possible to visit Vesuvius.
How Many Times Has Vesuvius Erupted?
Vesuvius has erupted more than 50 times since AD 79.
When Did Vesuvius Last Erupt?
The last eruption of Mount Vesuvius was on March 18, 1944. This eruption lasted about 3 minutes, spewing a deadly mixture of ash and gas that killed 26 people, injured more than 100, and forced more than 12,000 to evacuate.
Is Vesuvius Active Today?
Yes, Vesuvius is still an active volcano, and although it is not currently erupting, scientists are constantly monitoring it for signs of activity. This is because Mount Vesuvius is located in a densely populated area, and an eruption can have extensive consequences.
Is It Possible to Visit Vesuvius?
Yes, Vesuvius is a popular tourist destination and there are several companies that offer tours to the volcano. Visitors to Mount Vesuvius can take a guided tour of the crater, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area. There is also a museum at the base of the volcano that houses artifacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum, as well as a laboratory where scientists study the volcano.