The Dual Destruction of Pompeii

Pompeii met its tragic fate in 79 A.D. when the mighty eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried the city under layers of volcanic ash. However, recent research unveiled a new chapter in the city’s demise – a powerful earthquake that struck simultaneously with the volcanic eruption.

Published in the journal Frontiers in Earth Science, the study sheds light on this previously unknown aspect of Pompeii’s destruction. Contrary to earlier beliefs, the research proves that seismic activity played a significant role in the city’s downfall.

While historical accounts by Pliny the Younger hinted at the presence of earthquakes during the eruption, tangible evidence was lacking until now. A team led by Domenico Sparice from Italy’s National Institute of Geophysics and Volcanology delved into this historical mystery and uncovered the seismic link to Pompeii’s destruction.

Dr. Sparice emphasized the importance of involving experts in archaeoseismology in the research, a field focusing on the impact of earthquakes on ancient structures. Their collaboration was pivotal in identifying the structural damage caused by the earthquake within Pompeii’s Insula of the Chaste Lovers.

The Insula of the Chaste Lovers, housing various buildings like a bakery and a house with unfinished frescoes, became a significant focal point for the study. Through meticulous excavation and analysis, the researchers confirmed that the collapse of walls in this area was indeed a result of the earthquake, providing concrete evidence of the seismic events that accompanied Vesuvius’ eruption.