pompeii

On August 24, 79 Mount Vesuvius literally blew its top, spewing tons of molten ash, pumice and sulfuric gas miles into the atmosphere. A "firestorm" of poisonous vapors and molten debris engulfed the surrounding area suffocating the inhabitants of the neighboring Roman resort cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum and Stabiae. Tons of falling debris filled the streets until nothing remained to be seen of the once thriving communities. The cities remained buried and undiscovered for almost 1700 years until excavation began in 1748. These excavations continue today and provide insight into life during the Roman Empire. Although the city was pummelled by falling rocks many artifacts of ancient roman life are well preserved. The ancient romans enjoyed sports at the collesium. Streets lined with thermopoliums, ancient fast food stores, sold food and drinks to patrons on the way to the games. Many baths are well preserved as are the houses and shops that once were occupied by a thriving community. A masterfully crafted aquaduct winding its way around Versuvius brought water to pompeii and it's neighboring communities. The site is famous for the plaster casts made from the people who perished mostly by suffocation due to the ash particles in the air. They are all haunting to look at, especially the young boy preserved forever clutching a cloth to his face in an effort to filter the air.