The Rest Is History 355: Roman Apocalypse: Pompeii 79 AD
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Jul 30, 2023 Delve into the dramatic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, detailed through harrowing accounts like that of Pliny the Younger. Learn about the vibrant life of Pompeii before disaster struck and the societal chaos that followed. Explore the ominous signs leading up to the eruption and the desperate struggle for survival among its residents. Discover how the disaster reshaped Roman beliefs about divine judgment while highlighting the risks and rewards of living near such a formidable volcano.
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Hercules and Vesuvius
- Romans believed Hercules, son of Jupiter, traveled to Italy and built a bridge over the Tiber.
- He then journeyed south to Campania, battling giants and imprisoning them beneath Vesuvius.
Nature's Power
- The eruption of Vesuvius serves as a stark reminder of human vulnerability to nature's power.
- It also highlights the precariousness of life and the constant threat of unforeseen disasters.
Ominous Signs
- Earthquakes had shaken the region in the decades leading up to the eruption, including a significant one in 62 AD.
- Despite ominous signs like drying springs and strange figures in the landscape, life in Pompeii and Herculaneum continued as usual.
