When Mount Vesuvius exploded in Italy in AD 79, it not only buried the city of Pompeii but a lot of the surrounding homes as well. One of the most luxuries properties engulfed by layers of ash was the Villa of Papyri located in nearby Herculaneum.
Read MoreSaving Pompeii: What Archaeologists Are Doing to Save This Important Site
Located at the base of a now dormant volcano, the ancient city of Pompeii is one of the most visited spots in Italy.
This incredible city, active archeological site, and invaluable piece of history always seems to be under constant threat, however. The site has to content with looting tourists, the elements, the Italian mafia (archeologists working at the site often receive death threats), and lack of funds for restoration.
Read MoreThe Plaster Ghosts of Pompeii
On the day that Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79AD, the sun disappeared behind a thick column of black smoke and the pristine blue of the Amalfi sky was clouded with ash.
A series of pyroclastic surges — low, fast-moving waves of hot, lethal gases and ash — covered Pompeii, instantly killing its remaining citizens that had not escaped the city in time.
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