As the most legendary volcano on Earth, Italy's Mount Vesuvius hangs over Italy like an unpredictable god. The volcano's eruption in 79 AD destroyed the ancient cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, burying them in scalding rock and ash. This story has been depicted so many times in art and literature that it has a mythical feel.
Since Pompeii and Herculaneum almost disappeared from history, Mount Vesuvius has actually erupted dozens of times, sometimes killing thousands of people (as in 1631) and sometimes destroying houses and even entire villages. Vesuvius's last major eruption occurred more than 70 years ago, in 1944, during World War II. These old photographs of eruptions were taken by British photographer and Magnum founding member George Roger.
In 1944, Allied soldiers watched the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in Italy. Huge volcanic ash, very spectacular.
Soldiers in the bell tower during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1944.
Priests and children during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1944.
The volcano erupted, the people removed the furniture, and it was important to flee.
Watch the erupting civilians and soldiers.
Children at the time of volcanic eruptions.
Mount Vesuvius at night.
Ordinary Italians struggle with volcanic ash.
Volcanic ash fell a lot, and people had to travel with umbrellas.
The streets of Mount Vesuvius's eruption.
Scenes from nearby towns during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 1944.
The eruption is spectacular enough, isn't it? God knows when Mount Vesuvius will have another big eruption.