MOUNT VESUVIUS

Nov. 24, 2020

The Italian Culture Ministry announced the discovery of well-preserved remains of two men, who perished during the volcanic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The eruption was a catastrophic event that destroyed the ancient Roman city of Pompeii and killed around 16,000 people.

About:

  • Located in southern Italy near the coastal city of Naples, the 4,203-ft tall Vesuvius is the only active volcano in mainland Europe.

  • Vesuvius has been classified as a complex volcano (also called a compound volcano), one that consists of a complex of two or more vents.

  • Vesuvius typically has explosive eruptions and pyroclastic flows –– defined as a high-density mix of hot lava blocks, pumice, ash and volcanic gas.

  • It has erupted more than 50 times, and is considered among the most dangerous volcanoes in the world due to its proximity to Naples and surrounding towns.

  • Its last serious eruption, lasting two weeks, was in 1944 during World War II, which left 26 Italian civilians dead and around 12,000 displaced.