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There have been many significant volcanic eruptions throughout history, but Mt. Vesuvius in Italy is
one of the most famous and significant. Despite being currently inactive, the mountain is regarded as
one of the most dangerous volcanoes on earth due to its populated surroundings. Mt. Vesuvius is
located on the southwest side of Italy, and there are many cities within its kill zone.

Mount Vesuvius most famous eruption occurred on August 24, 79 A.D. On that day, smoke was
coming from the crater, but because this had happened often in previous months, the people who lived
around the mountain continued on with their day. What they did not realize was that in a few hours
they would be facing one of the most terrifying volcanic explosions known to man. When the volcano
suddenly erupted with explosive force, the blast was so powerful that the hot wind mixed with ash,
otherwise known as pyroclastic flow, came down at over 400 miles an hour, twice as fast as a formula
one racing car. The blast incinerated people on impact due to its 800-degree temperature. The
pyroclastic flow was so powerful it caused a heated tsunami, which affected people on nearby islands.

Mount Vesuvius explosion was so deadly because toxic gases, such as sulfur, were released. People
who lived in the nearby city of Pompeii were mostly killed either by choking on these toxic gases or
being buried alive by raining ash. People mistakenly thought it would be safe to hide in their homes,
but were quickly proved wrong when their roofs collapsed due to the weight of the ash. Commoners
who desperately wanted to escape death had to run to the docks where people with boats were
making a getaway. Unfortunately, only a small number of boats were available, and with a population
as large as suburban Chicago, most people died by choking on sulfur gas while waiting for a boat.

The volcanos explosion blew hot liquid rock and ash over 20 miles into the air. Over the course of
the next two days, over ten feet of pumice fell on Pompeii, completely burying the city. Buildings
collapsed from the pyroclastic flow and the land surrounding Vesuvius became a barren
wasteland. People who survived the eruption eventually forgot about the city.

After a few years, the land that had been affected by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius turned into a stir
of colorful flowers and trees. This is because volcanic pumice and ash are extremely fertile. Even
today, the area is still known for its amazing scenery. A new town was built where Pompeii used to be,
and once in a while, someone would find a chunk of a building or a piece of rubble, but no one ever
thought much of it. The lost city of Pompeii wouldnt be discovered until 1748, when a Spanish
engineer found a piece of the town hall with the name of the city inscribed in it. He gathered an entire
workforce to excavate and document everything in the city. It took workers over 100 years to excavate
the city of Pompeii, but it was well worth it. Today, historians of ancient Rome continue to study
Pompeii because it was so well preserved by the ash. Every detail of Roman life was captured, and
much of what we know about ancient Roman life is because of what we have learned from Pompeii.

The eruption of 79 A.D. wasnt Mt. Vesuvius only eruption. Mt. Vesuvius had many other eruptions,
such as the eruption of 1631, which killed over 4,000 people. During this eruption, continuous
earthquakes occurred for over 12 hours. The explosion itself was relatively small, but lava poured out
of the sides and covered the entire volcano. This was one of the main volcanic eruptions that
increased the size of Vesuvius. Mt. Vesuvius is extremely old, and scientists estimate there have
been many other eruptions before recorded history.

Today, Mt. Vesuvius is a great tourist attraction. Thousands of people visit Pompeii and Vesuvius
every year. Tourists visit Vesuvius to learn about ancient Roman history. Mt. Vesuvius continues to be
known for its amazing scenery and many photographers go there to take pictures. Despite the beauty
of the volcano, Mt. Vesuvius is still regarded as one of the most dangerous volcanoes today and it is
only a matter of time before it erupts again.