History Extra podcast The final days of Pompeii
Jan 18, 2026
Join Dr. Jess Venner, a Roman historian and expert on Pompeii, as she shares captivating insights about the catastrophic eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79. Hear about Pliny the Elder's brave rescue mission, his tragic fate, and the pivotal letters from his nephew, Pliny the Younger. Discover how terror unfolded as pumice and pyroclastic flows devastated the towns, leading to their entombment. Venner also highlights the remarkable differences in preservation between Pompeii and Herculaneum, revealing stories of survivors and the haunting remains of a lost civilization.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Pliny's Account Defines A Plinian Eruption
- Pliny the Younger's letters are our primary eyewitness account of Vesuvius and define the 'Plinian' eruption type.
- His detailed description lets volcanologists reconstruct the eruption's shape and behavior across the Bay of Naples.
Umbrella Column Led To Catastrophic Collapse
- The eruption formed a towering column that rose vertically then spread out like an umbrella pine, blocking out sunlight.
- That column later collapsed, producing deadly pyroclastic flows that devastated nearby towns.
Hours Of Pumice Preceded Rapid Destruction
- Pumice fell for hours, accumulating on roofs until structures began collapsing and people suffocated or were crushed.
- Herculaneum was destroyed early that evening when the eruption column collapsed and pyroclastic material overwhelmed the town.
