Today in History

August 24, 79

The Destruction of Pompeii

It was the day after Vulcanalia, the festival of the Roman god of fire. On August 24th, death rained down on the Roman village of Pompeii from Mount Vesuvius. For several weeks, the wells around the town had begun to go dry. A series of small earth tremors began. Then, on August 24th, the eruption commenced and lasted for almost 19 hours. More than 9 feet of volcanic pumice and ash fell on the town. Best estimates are that between 10,000 and 20,000 people died as a result of the eruption and its aftermath. Pompeii's actual location was forgotten until its accidental rediscovery in the 18th century.

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