A.D. 79 Eruption

The A.D. 79 eruption of Mount Vesuvius was a volcanic explosion that devastated the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. The volcano erupted suddenly, spewing out ash, pumice, and gases at high speed, which buried the cities under thousands of tons of volcanic material. The intense heat and ash preserved buildings, artworks, and even people in their final moments. This catastrophic event lasted about 24 hours and provides invaluable archaeological insights into Roman life, as the quick burial preserved many details that would otherwise have been lost.