Mount Vesuvius rises to the north of the storied ruins of Pompeii, which was destroyed during the eruption of 79 CE. The modern cone of Vesuvius rises at the left; the peak to the right is the rim of the Monte Somma caldera, which was formed about 17,000 years ago. Eight major explosive eruptions have occurred since then. A period of long-term eruptive activity began in 1631. The last eruption of Vesuvius was in 1944.

Copyrighted photo by Katia and Maurice Krafft.

Copyrighted image used with permission. All Rights Reserved. Contact photographer for any usage requests.

Vesuvius