Britannica Sources used in this answer

Why do weather and plant growth threaten the ruins of Pompeii?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ruins of ancient Pompeii with stone columns and walls in the foreground, and Mount Vesuvius rising in the background under a partly cloudy sky. — Pompeii Mount Vesuvius rising up over the ruins of the ancient Roman city Pompeii.

The ruins of Pompeii are constantly endangered by the ravages of weather and destructive vegetation, which contribute to the degradation of the site.1

While the city's sudden burial by volcanic debris in 79 ce protected it from the destructive effects of climate and weather for 17 centuries, the exposure of these structures following excavation has left them vulnerable. Weathering processes, including exposure to the elements, cause ongoing damage to the ancient architecture. Additionally, the growth of invasive or destructive vegetation poses a significant threat to the integrity of the ruins, necessitating continuous conservation efforts, such as those revitalized under the Great Pompeii Project, to prevent the loss of this valuable historical evidence.21