Ruins of Pompeii, Italy

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD caused widespread destruction and loss of life in Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the surrounding towns and villages. The region was buried under layers of volcanic ash following the eruption that lasted for two days. Around 2,000 people died in Pompeii and Herculaneum within 24 hours. Residents seemed to have no way out with most deaths due to suffocation in their homes or on the streets because the city was engulfed in toxic gases, ash clouds, and volcanic particles. Around 1,150 bodies have been retrieved so far. It is estimated that the eruption killed up to 16,000 people in Pompeii and other villages in the region.

I learned a lot about Pompeii today. It is much more spread out and larger than I imagined, covering 163 acres.  We spent quite a bit of time there and saw only a small part of it. I was amazed at how well preserved the site is.