Eruption of Vesuvius: It occurred in October in AD 79

A recent all-Italian investigation has found theeruption of Vesuvius of the 79 AD between 24 and 25 October instead of between 24 and 25 August as many claim. Scholars of the University of Pisa, in collaboration with other foreign colleagues, meticulously and carefully reconstructed all the phases of this terrible event.

Collecting data from various sources has resulted in: dismantle the dissertation which had existed for about two thousand years. The news of the date of the eruption has always been based on a document signed by Pliny the Younger and addressed to the historian Tacitus, author of the “Annales

The main spirit of the work was the collection of data from various sources. The eruption took place in eight phases, we have reconstructed the characteristics of each.

Mauro di Vito, volcanologist from the National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology (Ingv)

Over there first phase it was quite violent and, after lifting a column of almost 8 km, it spread the ashes as far as Greece. In return, there were significant mudslides and flow of high-density material, the result of the eruption itself.

Eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79: The Debate over the Date

Too many historical inconsistencies and even ecological ones found by scientists and archaeologists. In this regard, the discovery at Pompeii of heavy clothing and remains of autumn fruit set off the first alarm bells.

A charcoal inscription on the wall of a building in Pompeii that, translated, quotes: “The sixteenth day before the November calendars, he indulged in food in an excessive manner,” indicating that the eruption certainly occurred after October 17.

Biagio Ciaccio, Igag-Cnr

This clue led to a real turning point to the debate. The reconstruction has brought scholars into agreement and also united them in realizing how much past, present and future are connected. The work done and the results achieved are admirable proof of this.