Vesuvius, a volcano that the Romans did not recognise as dangerous, erupted in 79 AD, traditionally dated 24 August, though archaeological evidence suggests a date in October. A column of ash rose 30 km, and pumice rained on Pompeii for hours before surges of superheated gas and ash buried Pompeii, Herculaneum, Stabiae and Oplontis. Thousands died. The younger Pliny described the disaster in letters to Tacitus, and his uncle, Pliny the Elder, died while trying to rescue people. The towns were preserved under the ash and were rediscovered in the eighteenth century.
Before and after
- from June 68 CE to December 69 CEYear of the Four Emperors
- 9 June 68 CEDeath of Nero
- August 70 CEThe Romans destroy the Temple in Jerusalem
- 24 January 76 CEBirth of Hadrian
- 79 CEVesuvius buries Pompeii and Herculaneum
- 24 August 79 CEEruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79
- 80 CEThe Colosseum is inaugurated
- 81 CEConstruction of Colosseum
- 82 CEConstruction of Arch of Titus
More in Earth & climate
- c. 2,300 BCEEruption of Blanco, Cerro
- c. 1,890 BCEEruption of Hudson, Cerro
- c. 1,460 BCEEruption of Taupo
- c. 50 BCEEruption of Apoyeque
- c. 233 CEEruption of Taupo
- c. 450 CEEruption of Ilopango
The era
This moment belongs to the Ancient civilizations (3,200 BCE to 500 CE), writing, cities and empires. You can also browse everything in the 1st century.