The story of the explosion
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On August 24, 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted causing molten ash and gases to be released into the atmosphere. This ash and gases claimed the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Falling rocks filled the cities destroying building s and crushing people. Scientists believe that the eruption of Mount Vesuvius lasted for more than 24 hours. This occured on August 24. It is impossible to find out, how many people died. Archaeologists say that the bodies found in Pompeii are only small samples. The ash covered the landscape south of Vesuvius to the Sorrentine peninsular. What seemed to be a plaster like cast covered the victims suffercating them leaving them not able to breathe and die. There is evidence of people returning and trying to rebuild by bits of plaster found covered over the cracks but then crumbled to pieces by the after shocks type events or even worse another explosion. Pompeii was never again used as a city but was used by explores( not modern) But quite possibly by the romans. It is believed that the cite was searched and precious items taken. Pomeii was one of the wealthy parts of the Roman Empire and so there were many treasures. It is believed about 2000 people stayed behind while some left. The ones who had stayed were burried alive in ash or crumbled by rocks thrown by the Volcano's eruption. Not only was there a eruption but a heat wave that was estimated to be about 482 decrees Celsius. The eruption burried Herculaneum in 22 meters of ash and covered pommpeii in 2.7 meters. Due the the fast speed in which the ash had fell, it preserved Pomeii all in tact. The Earthquake caused major damage to the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Houses were completely destroyed. higher levels would have been affected badly.