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What happened in Pompeii during the first day of the 79 CE eruption?
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Pompeii
Mount Vesuvius rising up over the ruins of the ancient Roman city Pompeii.
During the first day of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, the city of Pompeii experienced a catastrophic event that began just after midday on August 24.123
- Volcanic Fallout: Fragments of ash, pumice, and other volcanic debris began pouring down on the city.123
- Structural Damage: The accumulation of this material was rapid, quickly covering the city to a depth of more than 9 feet (3 meters). This heavy weight caused the roofs of many houses to collapse.12
- Ongoing Threat: While the initial phase involved the rain of debris, the city remained under this layer throughout the day as residents attempted to shelter in their homes or flee toward the coast and nearby towns like Stabiae or Nuceria.2
It is important to note that while August 24 is the traditionally held date based on the accounts of Pliny the Younger, some scholars suggest the eruption may have occurred later in the year, such as in October or November, due to archaeological evidence like the presence of fall fruits. The lethal pyroclastic flows that ultimately asphyxiated the remaining population did not reach the city until the following morning, August 25.3412