August 24th is Vesuvius Day

Vesuvius Day marks the date in 79 A.D. that Mount Vesuvius exploded.

August 24, 79 A.D. was an historic date for the world. This was the day that Mount Vesuvius erupted in a huge explosion. It was one of the largest volcanic explosions in recorded history.

This deadly volcano destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Stabiae. They were buried by volcanic ash and pumice. An estimated 3,360 people died in the volcano's eruption.

Mount Vesuvius also exploded a second time in 1631. At that time, it killed approximately 3,500 people.