August 24, 79 A.D. was the day Mount Vesuvius erupted in a huge explosion. To date, it is known as one of the largest volcanic explosions in recorded history. This deadly volcano destroyed the Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Stabiae. For years these cities were lost, buried by volcanic ash and pumice.
The tremendous loss of life and utterly stupendous power of Mt. Vesuvius is commemorated today on Vesuvius Day.
Having witnessed (from afar) the horrific explosion of Mt. Saint Helens in the Pacific Northwest in 1980, having seen the heartbreaking pictures of those who lost their lives, having read the accounts of those who actually lived through that terrible blast, I have a healthy respect for volcanoes.
I can't even imagine the size and scope of what happened the day Mt. Vesuvius erupted. Even though this terrible event happened over a thousand years ago, I remember those who lost their lives that day. The plaster castings of the people who died there deeply touch my heart. Real people. So long ago. Yet they once lived--may we never forget them.
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I think experiencing an erupting volcano must be one of the most frightening things. I've only ever seen a few wisps of smoke coming out of Popocatepetl in Mexico and even that was awe inspiring.
ReplyDeleteYour postcard is wonderful.
And Mt. Vesuvius is now built up on its slopes and base to a huge extent, with many more people living in harm's way for any future eruption.
ReplyDeleteI cannot imagine the feeling of experiencing a volcano. Thank you so much for a very interesting post.
ReplyDeleteGood post. I was at Mt St Helens not long after it blew.
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