Pompeii was an ancient Roman town-city near modern Naples founded in the seventh or sixth century BC at the foot of Mount Vesuvius and famously destroyed by the volcano in AD 79. According to contemporary historians the eruption is documented as having started on 24th August 79 (Pliny) but archaeological excavations suggest that the city was buried about three months later, which is corroborated by another version of Pliny’s letter that dates the eruption as 23rd November. This date is also supported by the heavier clothing apparently worn by the people excavated. Interesting pseudo-documentary footage brings the death of a city to life: