Background of Mt Vesuvius Eruption 79AD
On August 24th Mt Vesuvius unexpectedly erupted. The eruption was foreshadowed by many earthquakes, though the people of Pompeii and Herculaneum didn't take much notice of the seismic activity as they were used to it. Around noon Mt Vesuvius erupted causing a column of ash to fall around the neighbouring cities, among them Pompeii and Herculaneum. It wasn't until the next morning that the pyroclastic surges started. Once the eruption began, in the 18 hours before the puroclastic surges, many people fled the city leaving their valuables behind, those that stayed were killed by the surges carrying extremely hot air and toxic gases
By the time the eruption was over the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were covered in a thick layer of ash and mud-lava. The cities were buried frozen in time. Once they were buried Pompeii and Herculaneum were forgotten
By the time the eruption was over the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum were covered in a thick layer of ash and mud-lava. The cities were buried frozen in time. Once they were buried Pompeii and Herculaneum were forgotten
Map showing Pompeii and Herculaneum in relation to Mt Vesuvius
At this time Rome was in the middle of its empire period, it was ruled by Emperor Titus who came to the position as emperor on June 24th 79AD, after his father, Vespasian, died.
Pompeii was buried under ash as it was in the winds path. Pompeii had an estimated population of between 10,000 to 25,000. It was a commercial town as it was a bustling industrial centre, market town and harbour for surrounding cities. There were many shops, taverns and brothels.
Herculaneum is to the west of Mt Vesuvius, so instead of being buried in ash it was covered in mud lava due to the direction of the wind. After the lava had cooled it became a hard layer 15cm thick. Herculaneum had an estimated population of around 5000. Herculaneum was a popular summer resort for wealthy Romans.
Pompeii was buried under ash as it was in the winds path. Pompeii had an estimated population of between 10,000 to 25,000. It was a commercial town as it was a bustling industrial centre, market town and harbour for surrounding cities. There were many shops, taverns and brothels.
Herculaneum is to the west of Mt Vesuvius, so instead of being buried in ash it was covered in mud lava due to the direction of the wind. After the lava had cooled it became a hard layer 15cm thick. Herculaneum had an estimated population of around 5000. Herculaneum was a popular summer resort for wealthy Romans.