Which volcano destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in 79 CE?

Mount Vesuvius destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in its eruption of 79 CE.

Vesuvius is a volcano on the Bay of Naples in southern Italy. Its eruption began in August or October of 79 CE, depending on how ancient evidence is interpreted. The eruption released ash, pumice, and hot volcanic gases, burying Pompeii and Herculaneum and killing many residents.

Pompeii was covered mainly by falling pumice and ash, while Herculaneum was overwhelmed by fast-moving pyroclastic surges and flows. The deposits sealed buildings, objects, food, inscriptions, and human remains, creating an unusually detailed record of Roman daily life.

The Roman author Pliny the Younger described the eruption in letters to the historian Tacitus. His account gave rise to the term “Plinian eruption,” used for tall, sustained eruption columns. Excavations began systematically in the 18th century. Vesuvius remains an active volcano, and its densely populated surroundings make monitoring and emergency planning especially important.