In 79 A.D. The earth of pompeii began to shake violently.Panic-stricken people mobbed the narrow streets as they tried to escape the tremors . But for many there would be no escape . A nearby volcano,Mt.Vesuvius,was erupting . Soon fiery stones began to rain down upon the city . Thick ash and poisonous fumes filled the air.Within a short time the entire town was covered with thirty feet of lava and ash.
Pompeii was not rediscovered untill the mid 1700s. In time scientists began to excavate the ancient city. They found they had the rare opportunity to study a civilization and people for whom time had suddenly stood still .It was,in fact,the people of pompeii themselves who provided the most unusual aspect of the excavations.
Many men,women,children ,and animals died as they frantically tried to save themselves .Their bodies were,of course ,covered with lava .
As canturies passed,the bodies dacayed.But their forms remained as hollow shapee within the hardened lava.Scientists filled the hollow forms remained as hollow shapes within the they chipped away the outer shell of lava.What remained were incredible ,accurate casts of the victims at their moment of dealth .A pet dog is seen twisting in pain .One man is covering his face to escape smoke and gases .Parent and children cling to each other. More than the usual remains of pottery,tools ,and buildings,the people of pompeii left a most rare legacy. —a glimpse of themselves