On August 24th, 79 AD, a catastrophic natural disaster fundamentally changed the ancient city of Pompeii. A colossal eruption of Mount Vesuvius destroyed the city within twenty-four hours, resulting in the death of most of its inhabitants. Ancient Pompeii had no warning of the eruptive event and was overrun by an avalanche of volcanic debris that buried the city. For centuries, the site of the city remained largely forgotten until it was rediscovered in 1748. Since then, millions of visitors have visited the ruins and it has become one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.
So, how quickly was Pompeii destroyed? In order to understand the answer to this question, it’s important to look at the timeline of the volcanic eruption. Shortly after noon on August 24th, Vesuvius began to erupt and create a huge cloud of ash and pumice that quickly spread south and north of the volcano. It’s estimated that the cloud covered the site of Pompeii within six hours of the start of the eruption.
Globally, during this event pyroclastic flows and massive ashfall blanketed the city with a layer of ash and pumice at least 25 meters thick in only a matter of hours. The fast moving disaster caused extensive damage to surrounding areas and caused much of the upper structure of the settlement to collapse as the ash and pumice settled. In this manner, the city of Pompeii was destroyed in mere hours.
To detail the dramatic effects of such a natural disaster, there are numerous accounts left by ancient historians. They recall how people were engulfed in thick layers of ash and were buried beneath buildings. Even the inhabitants of neighbouring towns felt the repercussions of the eruption, with reports of no daylight and continuous noise from rumbling rocks.
Experts speculate that many of the inhabitants of Pompeii likely perished from asphyxiation due to the large amounts of sulfur dioxide and other gases in the pyroclastic flow that swept through the area. Moreover, the layers of ash and pumice that grounded vibrated and largely caused buildings to collapse. Many of the victims were buried in this debris when their homes or businesses were engulfed by the pyroclastic flows.
Today, excavations at the site of Pompeii have found the city’s former inhabitants in situ, or in the same positions they were in when they died. This frozen-in-time experience serves as a unique reminder of the magnitude and speed at which the disaster occurred. It reminds us that, in spite of our technological advancements and scientific understanding, nature can still take us by surprise with devastating consequences.
Impact on Surrounding Areas
Although the eruption of Vesuvius lasted for several days, in a very short amount of time it had a destructive impact on the entire area. Not only the city of Pompeii, but also the neighbouring cities of Herculaneum, Stabiae, and other towns in the nearby Vesuvius National Park were destroyed. The eruption devastated the people, culture and economy of the area, setting the region back for years.
The eruption released about 100,000 Km3 of magma, along with deadly gases and pyroclastic flows. Pyroclastic flows of burning gas, ash, and rock spread outward at high speed and the extreme temperatures they caused would have been enough to incinerate anyone in its path. Such pyroclastic flows are estimated to have caused the death of an estimated 15,000 people.
Survivors of the eruption would have struggled to find safety as most of the settlements in the nearby area were destroyed and the surrounding lands were covered in a thick layer of ash and pumice. Comfort and reprieve in the aftermath of the disaster was hard to come by. Those fortunate enough to survive had to seek refuge and live in the neighbouring cities of Campania, which were better able to withstand the extreme temperatures.
Expert Opinions
With centuries having passed since the disaster, experts have weighed in with their opinions on how quickly Pompeii was destroyed. Experts widely agree that the speed of the natural disaster was extraordinary and that the destruction of the city was likely complete in a matter of hours.
One expert, Pliny the Younger, writes that the pyroclastic flow nearly reached him. He arrived just sixteen kilometres away from the volcano and wrote that he turned back after witnesses described the “fearful black cloud” which descended over the city of Pompeii. Geologists, who have studied the aftermath of the eruption, have concluded that the pyroclastic flow moved with a speed of at least 90 Km/h.
Moreover, the exact moment of destruction has been the subject of great debate. There is evidence that the eruption created a thick dust layer which insulated the site from the explosive effects of the eruption. Structures were likely destroyed by vibrations, causing them to collapse and burying the residents. Scientists suggest that it is possible that some people went as long as four or five hours without air, leading to an agonizing end.
The Aftermath
Years after the destruction of Pompeii, the Romans began the task of rebuilding what had been destroyed. A few survivors returned to the area, some to visit the tombs of their loved ones and others to re-establish their lives. By the time the rebuilding had been completed, only a small fraction of the city stood. The reconstruction efforts helped to ensure that the city of Pompeii would remain a reminder and a warning of the power of nature.
With the ruins and excavations that have been preserved, experts can further study the destruction and destruction pattern of the eruption. Through further investigation and analysis, scientists may be able to better understand the devastating event that occurred so quickly. From the physical evidence left behind, it is possible to gain a better understanding of the seismic activity and the phenomena that accompanied the eruption.
In addition, the preservation of the site has allowed for more study of the lifestyles and beliefs of people who lived in the area. Archaeologists have long used the ruins as a means of learning about the everyday lives of the city’s inhabitants. Today, visitors can also come and walk among the ruins, gaining an insight into what life used to be like in the city of Pompeii.
Modern Risk
It is frightening to think that Pompeii was destroyed in a matter of hours and yet its ruins are still present today. This serves as a reminder that other cities and towns around the world could find themselves in the same situation with little to no warning. While Vesuvius is not considered as dangerous as it once was, experts suggest that it will eventually erupt again. In addition, many other active volcanoes exist around the world in areas that are home to a large population.
The destruction of Pompeii was an important reminder of how quickly natural disasters can bring about destruction. Over the centuries, there have been numerous other similar disasters around the world, such as the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and the 2011 Japan Tsunami. These events remind us of how important it is to be prepared for such catastrophes and to be aware of the risks associated with them.
Today, researchers have been studying the destruction of Pompeii in an effort to better understand the process of destruction by a natural disaster, as well as to gain insight into past lifestyles and beliefs. In the wake of the destruction, scientists have also been working to improve methods of early warning and evacuation, in an effort to spare people the same fate that befell those who lived in Pompeii.
The Legacy of Pompeii
The destruction of Pompeii was an extreme event, leaving an extraordinary and unprecedented time capsule. The people of the city were entombed so suddenly and yet the archaeological site offers great opportunity for scientific research. It is something that has become a site of fascination for millions of people around the world, who visit to gain a glimpse into the past and a better understanding of how quickly a city can be destroyed by a natural disaster.
At the same time, it is difficult to deny the sobering reminder of what happened to the city two thousand years ago. Pompeii serves as a reminder of the power of mother nature and its potential to bring destruction and chaos in the blink of an eye. It has been aptly said – “nature is not a force to be reckoned with”.
Of all the wonders in the world today, few are as significant and unique as Pompeii’s ruins. In spite of the destruction, they remain as a reminder of what can happen when nature gets out of control. It is impossible to ignore the beauty of the site, while also being reminded of the heartbreaking destruction that occurred there.
