The Destruction of Pompeii

The Destruction of Pompeii

    The city of Pompeii was located in southern Italy. It was not far from where the present city of Naples stands. Pompeii was a busy, prosperous city with a population of about 12,000. A few miles to the north, stood Mount Vesuvius, a volcano. However, Mount Vesuvius had not erupted for a long time, so no one realized it was still active.
    Then on August 24, A.D. 79, Vesuvius erupted violently. The eruption totally buried Pompeii and several nearby towns. Huge piles of volcanic ash and debris covered everything! According to records, some people managed to escape. However, many did not.
    For many centuries people forgot that Pompeii had ever existed. Then in 1748, some small discoveries in the area led to the excavation of a temple in Pompeii. That was the beginning of many years of excavation and restoration. Some of that restoration still continues to this day.
    Pompeii is an amazing archaeological site because it has been so well-preserved. The ashes, cinders, and dust that fell during the eruption of Vesuvius kept everything intact. Buildings, works of art, furniture, eating utensils, and even the outlines of bodies can be seen as they were on the day Pompeii was destroyed.

How was the city of Pompeii destroyed?

Why were many things in Pompeii so well-preserved?