The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in AD 79 caused one of the deadliest volcanic events in European history, destroying several cities including Pompeii and Herculaneum. The actual date of the eruption is now in doubt, with a recent discovery suggesting it may have occurred on October 24. The excavation at the Regio V site in Pompeii has also uncovered previously intact areas and large houses with elaborate frescoes and mosaics. The remains of more than 1,500 people have been found so far. Pompeii is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the second most visited tourist site in Italy.
In AD 79, Mt. Vesuvius erupted in southern Italy, causing one of the deadliest volcanic events in European history. The massive eruption of superheated gas and molten rock reached a height of 21 km, releasing 33 times the thermal energy generated by the nuclear bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Several cities were razed, including Pompeii and Herculaneum, but the overall number of victims is unknown. Even the actual date of the event is now in doubt. Based on ancient accounts (especially the letters of Pliny the Younger), it has long been thought that the date of the eruption was August 24th. However, the discovery of a charcoal scribble mentioning a mid-October date — likely made by a homeworker — indicates that the explosion is more likely to have occurred on October 24. The new find supports some existing archaeological evidence for a later eruption date, including autumn fruits and heating braziers found in the ruins of Pompeii.
Putting together the history of Pompeii:
The discovery came during an excavation at the Regio V site, which unearthed previously intact areas of Pompeii. In addition to the inscription, large houses with elaborate frescoes and mosaics have been found.
At the time of the eruption, the total population of Pompeii and Herculaneum was estimated at over 20,000. The remains of more than 1,500 people have been found so far.
Pompeii is the second most visited tourist site in Italy, after the Colosseum in Rome. The area is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is part of the Vesuvius National Park.
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