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December 05th, 2020

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The lost city of Pompeii is ingrained in popular culture – it’s been featured in films, television series and even songs. But how much do you actually know about it? Put your knowledge to the test with these 10 mind-blowing Pompeii facts.

Prepare to be amazed as we delve into 10 facts about Pompeii volcano eruption and the ancient city's fascinating history. From its mysterious origins to the fateful day when Mount Vesuvius unleashed its fury, these Pompeii facts will transport you back in time and reveal the captivating story of one of the world's most famous archaeological sites.

1. A cool fact about Pompeii's origins: it was originally Greek

Pompeii was famously a Roman city, right? Well, yes, but the Romans might not have been there first – some of the oldest structures unearthed in Pompeii appear to have been designed by ancient Greek settlers.

2. The mysterious date of the Pompeii volcano eruption

It’s generally accepted that the devastating eruption of Vesuvius happened in 79 AD. For a long time, it was believed that the date of the disaster was August 24th, based on a written record made by Pliny the Younger – a Roman writer who witnessed the event from across the Bay of Naples. But archaeologists have found that the clothing and food preserved in the ash suggest a colder season, possibly October or November. Debate continues…

mount vesuvius in pompeii

Mount Vesuvius overlooks the ruins of Pompeii

3. A surprising fact about the people of Pompeii is that they didn’t know the Vesuvius was a volcano

This one is up for debate, with some historians claiming that Pompeii’s residents knew exactly what they were dealing with – but others say that as it hadn’t erupted for so many years prior to 79 AD, local residents could easily have thought Vesuvius was just another mountain!

4. An unfortunate fact about Pompeii: the wind usually blows the other way

The people of ancient Pompeii really were unlucky. On almost any other day, the prevailing wind would have blown the ash from Vesuvius away from them – but on the day of the eruption, it just so happened that the wind was blowing directly towards Pompeii.

5. A chilling fact about Pompeii volcano eruption: people within a certain radius were instantly killed by the heat alone

… and then preserved for centuries by the falling ash.

6. Did you know that Pompeii remained undiscovered for 1,500 years?

The city was unearthed by accident during the digging of a water tunnel in 1599. Real excavation didn’t begin until the 1700s.

pompeii archaeological site

Since its discovery, Pompeii has been a popular archaeological site and parts are now open to tourists.

7. A fun fact about Pompeii: the ruins of the city are covered in graffiti

And some of it is on the rude side! The people of Pompeii certainly had a sense of humour.

8. Researchers made plaster casts of the victims

As they were unearthing the city, archaeologists noticed that there were empty spaces in the ash layers, showing where there had once been human bodies. As they dug through the ash, they injected plaster into these voids, which solidified in the shape of the space. In this way, replicas were made of the positions people were in when they died.

9. Pompeii is now the world’s largest archaeological site

It covers a vast 150 acres!

Let Avventure Bellissime tell you about this famous ancient city!

10. A fact about Pompeii you should know before visiting: Mount Vesuvius will erupt again

Its most recent eruption was in 1944, killing 26 people. Nowadays, the Italian authorities are constantly monitoring the volcano’s activity, and there are strict evacuation procedures in place – but no one knows for sure when they’ll be needed.

If you would like to experience this enchanting ancient city for yourself, Avventure Bellissime would love to be your guide! We offer a private tour Naples to Pompeii ideal for groups; or why not combine Pompeii with some of Italy’s most stunning coastal scenery with our Pompeii, Amalfi coast & Positano Small Group Tour from Rome?!