Mt. Vesuvius Eruption

Ash, lapilli, and pumice begin to rain down on Pompeii with the ash cloud.

Mt. Vesuvius had been the epicenter of earthquakes for many years before the eruption. The people of Pompeii had grown accustomed to the earthquakes and were not aware that these were signs of the eruption. A small explosion and thin ash cloud begin the eruption.

Violent eruption and massive ash cloud emirge from Vesuvius.

The volcanic debris builds up in roofs and causes buildings to collapse.

The cloud emptying debris from the volcano reached 20 miles into the sky.

The eruption cloud begins to collapse. Pyroclastic surges 1 and 2 cover cities surrounding the mountain.

The amount of pumice and debris falling from the ashes decreases.

The 3rd pyroclastic surge hits Pompeii. Many civilians were killed in this surge.

The 4th and 5th pyroclastic surges cover Pompeii and surrounding cities

Surge 6 dumps another 2 feet of debris and ash into Pompeii.