Background of the event
Vesuvius is the only active volcano on the European mainland. It is located in the Campania region, near Naples. Until AD 79, locals knew it as a fertile mountain, its slopes covered with vineyards and orchards. No one suspected it was a dormant volcano. In August AD 79, a series of tremors began, but the residents of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Stabiae paid little attention. On August 24 (according to other sources, October 24), Vesuvius awoke. Within hours, a massive column of ash and stones rose into the sky, followed by pyroclastic flows that destroyed everything in their path.

Scale of the disaster
The eruption lasted about 18 hours. Ash and stones buried the cities under layers up to 6 meters thick. Pyroclastic flows reached temperatures over 300 degrees Celsius, killing people and animals instantly. It is estimated that around 16.000 people died. Pompeii was buried under ash, Herculaneum under lava and mudflows. The city of Stabiae was also destroyed.

Interesting facts
– We know about the disaster thanks to the letters of Pliny the Younger, who observed the eruption from a distance and described it in detail.
– The ash preserved not only buildings but also the bodies of people in the positions they were in at the moment of death.
– Vesuvius has erupted more than 50 times since AD 79, with the last major eruption occurring in 1944.

Archaeological discoveries
Excavations of Pompeii began in the 18th century and continue to this day. Tourists can see ancient streets, houses, temples, an amphitheater, baths, and even wall inscriptions. In Herculaneum, wooden structures and household items have been preserved, which is unique for ancient cities.

Tourist sites related to the event
– Pompeii — the largest archaeological park in Italy, included in the UNESCO World Heritage list.
– Herculaneum — more compact but better preserved.
– Vesuvius — visitors can hike to the summit and see the crater.
– Naples — the Archaeological Museum houses the best finds from the excavations.

Modern significance
Today, Vesuvius is under constant monitoring by volcanologists. The area around it is densely populated, and in the event of a new eruption, hundreds of thousands of people would need to be evacuated. Despite the danger, Vesuvius and the cities buried under ash remain among the most visited tourist attractions in Italy.