The eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD is undoubtedly the most written about natural catastrophe in history. The city of Pompeii was one of many thriving cities around the Gulf of Naples. With a population of between 10,000 and 20,000 people, the eruption of Vesuvius was a catastrophe. In the days preceding the eruption, several earth tremors had occurred. On August 24, 79 AD, within a day, the inhabitants of Pompeii and the nearby coastal city of Herculaneum were buried in the ashes of the volcano. In the 18th century, researchers began exploring buried cities and discovered that the ash was actually a pristine preservative. This allowed researchers to reconstruct the life and art of Pompeii on an unparalleled level. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Learn more about the city of Pompeii before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, the forum (shown above, right) was the center of civic life in Pompeii. Also known as its public square. The Forum was the place where Pompeians gathered to buy and sell merchandise. The Forum square was approximately 465 feet long and 125 feet wide. The Amphitheater of Pompeii (shown above, left) is one of the oldest known examples of Roman technology. This arena could seat approximately 20,000-22,000 people. The Amphitheater was used for a “bloody sport”. It was an exclusive type or Roman building. Gladiator fights and wild animal hunts took place here as a form of entertainment for the Pompeians. The Amphitheater mural, 'Brawl in the Amphitheatre', depicted a dispute that occurred in 59 AD between the inhabitants of Pompeii and those of Nuceria. Murals covered the city of Pompeii. They were on buildings, houses and city walls. The wall inscriptions mainly consisted of political slogans. Pompeii was known for its wealth. Which came from wine and olive oil exports. The soil was exceptionally fertile and the climate was ideal for growing vines. Wine and olive oil were exported and stored in earthenware vessels. The inhabitants of Pompeii believed that Bacchus, god of vineyards, represented wine and helped the growth of vineyards. Many sculptures derive from Pompeii. For example, Boy's Head. The boy was identified by researchers as a boy from a rich Pompeian family. In particular one of the most powerful and richest countries before Roman colonization. It is now located in the National Archaeological Museum. (Grant) Along with many other sculptures including Perseus with the head of Medusa. Pompeii had several interesting buildings and sculptures. The House of Vettii, owned by the brothers Vettius, Conviva and Restitutus, was invested with important public offices. It was rebuilt after an earthquake in 69 AD and has many fascinating wall paintings. As you can see, the city of Pompeii prospered until its destruction on August 24, 79 AD. An eyewitness account of the eruption has given today's researchers more information about what happened that day. Pliny the Elder has become one of the most significant sources of information on the destruction of Pompeii. During this time he was the commander of the Roman fleet and had tried to save the people left during the eruption. Pliny the Elder actually died during the eruption of Vesuvius, but his nephew Pliny the Younger left letters about the encounter. In one of the letters about that horrible encounter he wrote: "Its general appearance can best be expressed as that of a stone pine, for it rose to a great height on a kind of trunk and then split into two branches, I imagine from being pushed upwards from the first burst and then left unsupported when.