Which volcano buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in AD 79?

Mount Vesuvius buried the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in AD 79.

The volcano stands on the Bay of Naples in southern Italy. Its catastrophic eruption began in AD 79, sending pumice, ash, and hot volcanic material over nearby settlements. Pompeii was covered by layers of ash and pumice, while Herculaneum was overwhelmed by particularly hot pyroclastic flows and surges.

The eruption preserved buildings, streets, objects, and human remains, giving archaeologists an unusually detailed view of Roman urban life. The exact day of the eruption is debated because surviving manuscript traditions give different dates, but the year AD 79 is firmly associated with the event.

Vesuvius remains an active volcano and is one of the best-known volcanoes in Europe. Mount Etna, another famous Italian volcano, is on Sicily and was not responsible for Pompeii's destruction.