Chapter
Historical Ironies in the Eruption of Vesuvius
19:39 - 25:00 (05:21)
New experts in the fields of volcanology, geology, and archaeology believe that human settlements were actually covered over by the eruption of Vesuvius. This means that ancient Pompeii was built atop ruins of earlier civilizations destroyed by the volcano.
Clips
Pompeii was built atop old human settlements that were covered by volcanic activity.
19:39 - 21:16 (01:36)
Pompeii
Summary
Pompeii was built atop old human settlements that were covered by volcanic activity. A virtual tour of Pompeii is available which depicts the lost city in great detail.
ChapterHistorical Ironies in the Eruption of Vesuvius
EpisodeSelects: How Pompeii Worked
PodcastStuff You Should Know
The height of the ejecta from a volcanic eruption could reach 20 miles or 32 kilometers, leading to an intense darkness similar to someone turning off the lights in a closed room.
21:16 - 25:00 (03:44)
volcanoes
Summary
The height of the ejecta from a volcanic eruption could reach 20 miles or 32 kilometers, leading to an intense darkness similar to someone turning off the lights in a closed room. Pumice rocks ejected from the volcano are lightweight and porous, posing a potential danger to those outside during the eruption.