See How Mother Earth Shapes History

Mt. Vesuvius forms an imposing backdrop as a reminder that both towns were buried under meters of ash and pumice after its tragic eruption in 79 A.D. There were two main stages in the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. In the first phase, an enormous column of volcanic ash, gas, and rock shot high into the air and then began to cascade down the sky. It is theorized that because the wind was blowing in the south-eastern direction, this rain of pumice rocks fell over the town of Pompeii, injuring citizens and trapping them in collapsing buildings. Herculaneum survived this phase, potentially allowing many residents to escape before the more destructive second stage of eruption.

The second stage consisted of pyroclastic flows, fast-flowing rivers of gas and ash that cascade down the side of the volcano with intense speed and ferocity. These flows buried Pompeii under 4-6m of ash and covered Herculaneum in roughly 25m of ash. Despite this, archaeologists have excavated and preserved several everyday objects that will give you a glimpse into the life of ancient Romans; from amphitheaters, public baths, and other sites.

Pompeii

Villa of the Mysteries has stunning frescoes with a complex diversity of back stories! The space was essentially a grand farmhouse with its own grape press. In 1909, a fresco that stretches over 17 metres long was discovered in one of its rooms. House of the Faun is named after the small statue in front of it. In the atrium, there is a mosaic to be found containing the word ‘welcome’. Another famous mosaic was also in this house - depicting the fight between Alexander the Great and Darius III of Persia in the Battle of Issus in 333BC. Many of the sculptures found in the house are now stored at the National Archaeological Museum for preservation.

Herculaneum

Villa of Papyri with 1800 cylinders filled with papyrus that had been coiled up for centuries. Most writings discovered here were found to be of 1st century philosopher Philodemus. The House of Neptune and Amphitrite is a small, but richly decorated home in Herculaneum, featuring a mosaic that represents the sea-god Neptune and his wife. It is unique because it connects to an adjoining shop - one of the best preserved in all of Herculaneum and Pompeii. So far we know the shop sold wine, and jars of chickpeas and beans.