Volcanoes in Ancient Italy

Vesuvius near Neapolis (Naples-Napoli)

Etna on Sicily
 

Eruption, August 24, 79 A.D. during the reign of Titus Vespasianus Augustus (24 June 79---13 September 81)

  When Mt. Vesuvius erupted in A.D. 79  Pliny the Elder commanded the Roman fleet in the Bay of Naples at Misenum. Pliny sailed from Misenum (Capo di Miseno) to the opposite side of the bay to examine the explosion and to save others caught on the shore. 

Pliny's nephew,  Pliny the Younger, was also at Misenum.  He did not leave Misenum but saw the eruption. He learned of his uncle's death and wrote about it in a letter to the historian Tacitus. 

Pliny the Younger's Letters

Pompeii's People

City Plan of Pompeii

Views of the City and the Streets
 

Houses at Pompeii

Forum at Pompeii and Temple dedicated to Concordia and Pietas

Inscription on the Temple of Concordia