The Eruption of Vesuvius and Destruction of Pompeii
On the morning of August 24th, 79 AD, the Roman city of Pompeii witnessed the large eruption of Mount Vesuvius, resulting in the complete destruction of the city and loss of many lives. The eruption is remembered as one of the most catastrophic natural disasters in the history of humanity. Pompeii was long buried beneath layers of ash and volcanic debris until its rediscovery in the eighteenth century, by the Italian archaeologist Giuseppe Fiorelli.
Historians estimate that after days of ash accumulation that gradually increased in intensity, the eruption of Vesuvius reached its climax in the form of pyroclastic flows. These extremely fast streams of hot gas and rock, caused by a volcanic eruption, had an overwhelming force of temperatures reaching up to 500°C.
Thousands of people died immediately and were found permanently fossilized in the ash and volcanic debris, testifying to the magnitude of the disaster. Historian Pliny the Younger, who lived in the Roman city of Misenum, fled the area as soon as he became aware of the eruption. He wrote two letters to describe his observations and unfortunate circumstance to historian and philosopher Cornelius Tacitus.
Apart from the people who were caught on the ash, archaeologists have discovered a few bodies who appeared to have survived in the early stages of the eruption as he made an attempt to escape. Archaeologists managed to date these findings by studying the skeletal remains and making carbon-14 tests. As confirmed, the bodies were dated to some time between the 24 and 25 of August, 79 AD.
The ash accumulation is thought to have been up to a meter in some places. This was enough to instantly bury the city of Pompeii in, many and due to the substance being deep and spread widely, it meant almost all buildings were destroyed. The accumulation also left tonnes of material in the air, covering the entire city.
The eruption at Vesuvius plunged the immediate area and as far away as Rome in darkness as the debris travelled for miles. For some time, people in distant locations have reported occasional explosions, thundering, and lightning,which further contributed to the overwhelming circumstances.
Pompeii has since become an important archaeological site, a reminder of the disaster that engulfed the Roman city in 79 AD. The city offers evidence of what used to be a perfectly functioning Roman city, filled with villas, baths, and theaters. The site was founded in the 7th century BC and it’s estimated that prior to the volcanic eruption, the city had a population of approximately 20,000 people.
Environmental Impact of the Eruption
The Vesuvius eruption caused severe air pollution, which spread over half the continent. Analyses of deposits in Europe’s peat bogs revealed that the aerosols that reached the European continent two years after the eruption in 79 AD had a major impact on the environment. It is believed that climate change as a consequence of the explosion likely disrupted the agricultural system in the short and long-term.
The presence of an excessive amount of particles in the atmosphere impedes visibility, jeopardizes air quality, and creates respiratory issues. The sheer amount of matter released during the eruption created a disruption in the global atmospheric circulation, a phenomenon that was witnessed in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. These effects can still be registered in the Mediterranean area.
The long-term effects of the Vesuvius eruption have been studied and assessed by numerous archaeologists, geologists, and naturalists over the years. The heavy layers of ash that fell in the surrounding area are believed to have caused long-term environmental changes.
Much of the soil in the area surrounding Vesuvius has been contaminated, making it unable to sustain agriculture. The destruction of Pompeii’s natural habitat, which includes both its flora and wildlife, continue to be monitored and managed. Further, air pollution warnings are issued to citizens of Campania region.
The Legacy of Vesuvius
In modern times, Vesuvius is strictly monitored due to its potential to erupt. It is currently listed as one of the world’s most dangerous volcanoes, due to the presence of almost 3 million people within a 10 km radius. A local exhibition was recently dedicated to the eruption of 79 AD and to the destruction of Pompeii. It presented items found in Pompeii’s ruins, archeological projects and initiatives, as well as public awareness activities developed over the years. It was the first of its kind, presented in the wake of the “Pompeii- Vesuvius” episode, an initiative designed to spread awareness about the catastrophe.
Apart from being alluringly dangerous, Vesuvius, as dangerous as it may be, is now regarded a symbol of beauty in the natural landscape, admired by many. It is estimated that almost 20,000 visitors visit the park of Vesuvius each year, all eager to learn more about the beautiful volcano and its significant history.
The Economy of Pompeii
Pompeii mainly depended on commerce and financial services, with several banks and traders located across the city. Inhabitants of Pompeii were mainly the wealthy classes, connected to the senatorial and equestrian class. Construction activity was huge before the eruption, with investors distributing funds to property owners and new projects. This was mainly caused by the growing population and economy of the city. The markets were bustling as each social class had their own places to shop and buy goods.
In Pompeii’s suburbs, a number of vineyards, olive groves and shipbuilding workshops were found. In the aftermath of the eruption, it was believed that all shipbuilding and maritime trade had collapsed, mainly due to the fact that all the docks were destroyed and the ash had polluted the harbor waters.
Last but not least, electricity was already known to the citizens of Pompeii, since the city had access to an aqueduct that provided enough energy to power lamps, food grinders, and pumps. All these tools relied on the aqueduct’s stream, which provided plenty of potential energy.
Facts about Pompeii
The eruption of Vesuvius was of great importance in terms of documentation, as it provided historians and archaeologists with plenty of evidence of Roman society as it was on the day of the disaster. A great deal of knowledge has been gathered from the ruins, which have been studied over the centuries. Here are few facts about Pompeii:
- The remains of the city are remarkably well-preserved, standing testament to the catastrophic events of 79 AD.
- The majority of Pompeii’s population were freedmen, slaves freed by their owners, who considered themselves equal in all areas of life to Roman citizens.
- Vesuvius is located to the west of Naples, with its slopes reaching a height of 1,281 meters. It is located in the Phlegraean volcanic area.
- The city of Pompeii is estimated to have had a population of 20,000, making it one of the most populated cities in Ancient Italy.
- The eruption of Mount Vesuvius is considered to have lasted at least 20 hours.
- Before the eruption, Pompeii was known for its natural beauty and fertile soil, as it was located close to the Mediterranean Sea.
- Every year, the city of Pompeii held a major festival which was attended by the wealthy classes. This festival is believed to commemorate a naval victory of the Roman Republic.
Scientific Theories about Vesuvius
For centuries, scholars have speculated about the cause and effects of Vesuvius’ eruption in 79 AD. One of the prevailing theories
