Mount Vesuvius, a volcano located between the ancient Italian cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, has receive much attention, because of its frequent and destructive eruptions . The most famous of these eruptions occurred in A.D.79.The volcano had been inactive for centurics, There was little warning of the coming eruption. although one account unearthed by archaeologists says that a hard rain and a sirong wind bad disturbed the celestial calm during the preceding might. Early the next morning, the volcano poured a huge river of molten rock down upon Herculaneum. completely burying the city and filling the harbor with coagulated lava. Meanwhile, on the other side of the moumain,cinders, stone and ash rained dowa on Pornpei. Sparks from the burning ash ignited the combustiblerooftops quickiy. Large portions of the city were destroved in the conflagration. Fire, however. was not the only cause of destruction. Poisonous sulfuric gases saturated the air. These heavy gases were not buovant in the atmosphere and therefore sank toward the earth and suffocated people.Over ihe years, excavations of Pompeii and .Herculaneum have revealed a great dea! about thebehavior of the volcano. By analyzing data, much as a zoologist dissects an animal specimen. scientists have concluded that the eruption changed iarge portions of the areas’s geography. For instance, its turned the Sarno River from its course and raised the level of the beach along the Bay of Naples Meteorulogists studying these events have also concluded the Vesuvius caused a huge tidal wave that affected the world’s climate. In addition to making these investigations, archaeologists have been able to study the skeletons of victuins by using distited water to wash away the volcanic ash. By strengthening the brittle bones with acrylic paint,scientists have been able to examine the skeletons and draw conclusions about the diet and habits of the residents. Finally, the excavations at both Pompeii and Herculaneum have yielded many examples of *classical art. such as jewelry made of bronze, which is an alloy of copper and tin. The eruption of Vesuvius and its tragic consequences have provided evervone with a weaith of data about the effects that volcanoes can have on the surrounding area. Today, velcanologists can locate and predict eruptions,saving lives and preventing the destruction of other cities and cultures.