The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in autumn, 79 AD

In autumn of 79 AD, one of the most devastating volcanic eruptions in history struck Mount Vesuvius, burying the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under a thick blanket of ash and pumice. This catastrophic event took the lives of thousands and preserved these cities, offering a unique glimpse into everyday life in Ancient Rome.

The eruption began with violent explosions, sending clouds of ash high into the atmosphere. As day turned to night, the skies darkened, and the cities were engulfed in a deadly rain of volcanic material. Many residents, unaware of the impending disaster, were caught off guard, leading to a tragic loss of life.

The eruption is famously documented by Pliny the Younger, who provided a vivid eyewitness account in his letters to the historian Tacitus. Pliny described the eruption as beginning with a loud explosion, followed by a massive cloud of ash and gas that shot high into the sky, resembling a “pine tree” due to its shape. He noted the darkness that enveloped the area, making it seem like night despite the hour.

Pliny wrote about the chaotic scenes as people attempted to flee. He highlighted the panic, the cries of the terrified, and the desperate efforts of many to escape by sea. He also detailed the phenomenon of pumice and ash falling like rain, burying homes and choking the air, making it difficult to breathe. His letters serve as one of the few contemporary accounts of the eruption, offering invaluable insights into the experiences of those who lived through this disaster.

Today, the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum stand as powerful reminders of the fragility of human existence in the face of nature’s fury. Excavations have revealed remarkably preserved artifacts, homes, and even the casts of victims, providing invaluable insights into Roman culture, architecture, and daily life.

• Eruption of Mount Vesuvius’ (1770) by Pierre-Jacques Antoine Volaire.

• The Destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum, 1822 by John Martin

• The Forum at Pompeii with Vesuvius in the Background 1841 by Christen Købke