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

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

Vesuvius stands on the Bay of Naples in southern Italy and is one of Europe’s best-known active volcanoes. The eruption released pumice, ash, and hot pyroclastic flows that buried Pompeii and devastated nearby Herculaneum. The exact day is debated because surviving ancient manuscripts give different dates.

Pliny the Younger described the eruption and the death of his uncle, Pliny the Elder, who commanded the Roman fleet and attempted a rescue. The deposits preserved buildings, streets, objects, and human remains, providing unusually detailed evidence of Roman daily life.

Vesuvius is often confused with Mount Etna, another Italian volcano, but Etna is on Sicily and did not destroy Pompeii. Vesuvius remains active and is closely monitored because millions of people live in the surrounding metropolitan area.