The volcano
When did the volcano erupt?
On August 24, 79 AD Mount Vesuvius erupted.
When did it become a roman colony?
It became an official Roman colony in 80 BC called the Colonia Veneria Cornelia Pompeii.
Who would live in the city during summer months?
Many wealthy Romans had summer homes in Pompeii and would live there during the hot summer months.
What was the name of the volcano?
Mount Vesuvius
Who took over the city?
In the 5th century the city was conquered by the Samnites and was later taken over by the Romans.
Is Pompeii a major resort?
Yes, The city of Pompeii was a major resort city during the times of Ancient Rome.
How much ash and rock did shoot out of the volcano?
Scientists estimate that 1.5 million tons of ash and rock shot out of the volcano every second.
The port city was a prime location for what?
The port city was in a prime location for trade as well as farming.
What other city got destroyed?
The nearby city of Herculaneum was also destroyed.
How high did the ash go in the air?
The ash cloud likely towered over 20 miles high above the mountain.
The soil helped do what to things?
The rich volcanic soil from earlier eruptions of Vesuvius created prime farmland for grapes and olive trees.
What did archaeologists find?
Archeologists found holes in the ashes that were once the bodies of people that were buried in the eruption. By pouring plaster into these holes, scientists have been able to make detailed casts of many of the citizens of Pompeii.
How many exscaped and died?
Some people managed to escape, but most didn't. It is estimated that 16,000 people died.
When was the city fond again?
It wasn't discovered again until the 1700s when archeologists began to uncover the city.