PHOTO: Ancient City of Herculaneum, Italy, Buried by the Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD

The ancient city of Herculaneum, Italy, buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD

Standing above the excavation site at the ruins of Herculaneum, Italy. The town was completely buried by successive, rapid flows of pyroclastic volcanic mud from the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. As a result, the entire city was perfectly preserved in the encased mud, right down to frescoes on the walls. Note the modern day homes on the top of the ridge; the burial of the city was so complete that it was built over and not discovered again until the mid-18th century.

2 thoughts on “PHOTO: Ancient City of Herculaneum, Italy, Buried by the Eruption of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD”

  1. Barb, these pictures are beautiful. I have heard of the ruins in Italy but have never seen them.
    Thank you for your work in bringing such interesting and educational photos for people to see.
    Also it was very nice meeting you at your Dads house and getting to talk to you.
    Hope to see and talk to you before you leave Wilmington this fall. I am really enjoying your
    web site.
    Fred Hausman

    Reply
    • Hi Fred: Thank you so much! Travel, writing, and photography are my passions so it does my heart good to hear that people actually enjoy what I write. It was great to meet you as well and I’m looking forward to seeing you and Pat much more this summer. Please feel free to stop by any time.

      Reply

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