Challenging the Facts About the Lost City of Pompeii
The wind was blowing in the wrong direction
When Mount Vesuvius erupted on 24th August 79AD, it left one of the most unique and remarkable historical, archaeological sites. The desolation of Pompeii was one of the most devastating natural events in ancient history and resulted in a huge death toll. However, few people know that out of the inhabitants, twelve thousand escaped. This still left a death toll of nearly two thousand.
When the volcano erupted, it started by sending a mushroom cloud of ash and pumice into the air. This ten-mile cloud could be observed by many surrounding the area. Pumice stone was the first thing that rained down on the people of Pompeii. These stones would continue pelting the locals for many hours and reached a depth of five metres.
Some that thought they were safe from the stones inside would be crushed as their flat roofs came down under the weight of the stone. It is possible that once the stones stopped raining, many would have left their homes for safer shelter. The toxic cloud of ash and poisonous gas struck, killing many more.
However, this ash provided the site with most of its significance to historians. The ash preserved much of Pompeii under its blanket, making it a treasure trove of historical facts.
