Pompeii 03/26/2024

Today we explored the ruins of Pompeii and learned about a city destroyed by an act of nature... a tragedy that occurred in 79 AD when Mt Vesuvius erupted. The volcano eruption lasted two days. When it was over, the city was buried under 13 to 20 feet of volcanic ash. This city was considered to be a wealthy traditional Roman city. Population was estimated to be 11,000 in 79 AD. Most of the residents were able to evacuate before the volcano erupted. 1150 bodies have been found on this site as of now. This number changes from time to time as the excavations continue.

Pompeii is one of the most popular sites in Italy for visitors, about 2.5 million visitors come here every year.

The volcano was not the only destructive event to fall on Pompeii. In 1943 Allied Army Airforces , during Operation Avalanche, dropped about 170 bombs on the ruins. This was in an effort to dislodge the Germans based here. Significant damage occurred during this bombing campaign and many of the monuments and structures were destroyed. Like most of Europe, they were rebuilt after the war. We spent the day here and returned to Sorrento, with a better understanding of the wrath of Mother Nature.