Volcanoes have existed since the birth of the earth, and they have helped shape the continents as we know them. The word volcano is thought to have come from Roman mythology, specifically derived from Vulcan, the Roman god of fire who was thought to be Jupiter’s blacksmith and responsible for making arrows and shields. Vulcan also had a Greek equivalent, known as Hephaestus, whose name means “burning” or “flaming.” Volcanoes were featured in ancient poetry, where they are described as the blacksmith’s workshop. When a mountain erupted, the ancients thought it was caused by smoke escaping through the chimney of Vulcan’s workshop when he was at work.