Pompei

Pompeii, a thriving Roman city of 8,000 to 10,000 people, was hit by an earthquake in 62, causing extensive damage. However, the city recovered, but the earthquake may have been caused by the sagging of a hearth roof clod that had come loose on the volcano's vent plug.

In the fall of 79 large amounts of pumice and ash were thrown out. Some residents left the city for fear of an eruption from the volcano. Vesuvius erupted at the end of November. The eruption ejected large amounts of ash, lava and gases into the atmosphere. This cloud was carried by the wind across the land to Pompeii. Shortly after the eruption began, pumice began to rain. Underneath the pumice dust were larger pieces that hit the ground at high speed. This pumice stone has caused countless roofs to collapse, doors to be blocked, and townspeople to be imprisoned.

Pompeii was buried under a layer of volcanic ash and pumice up to 25 meters thick for over 1500 years. Pompeii has been systematically excavated since about 1750. About two thirds of the city have now been uncovered