What Was Pompeii?

"What Was Pompeii?" offers an accessible and engaging account of the ancient Roman city of Pompeii, its sudden destruction by Mount Vesuvius in AD 79, and its remarkable rediscovery nearly 1,700 years later. Designed for children aged 6-9, this chapter book explains the historical context, the science behind volcanic eruptions, and the archaeological significance of the preserved city. It handles the sensitive topic of the disaster and loss of life with age-appropriate language, focusing on the historical facts and the wonder of discovery. The book includes photographs of the ruins, bringing the history to life for young readers.

The morning of August 24, AD 79, seemed like any other in the Roman city of Pompeii. So no one was prepared when the nearby volcano Mount Vesuvius suddenly erupted, spouting ash that buried the city and its inhabitants. The disaster left thousands dead, and Pompeii was no more than a memory for almost 1,700 years. In 1748, explorers rediscovered the port city with intact buildings and beautiful mosaics. This easy-to-read account is gripping and includes photos of the ruins.