Strata volcanoes are classified as such because they are built from layers of strata, hardened lava, and for their tall, tapered shape. Mount Vesuvius is one of the most famous strata volcanoes. It is located in Italy, and by level of damage considered to be one of the most devastating in the world.
On this day August 24th, in 79, Mount Vesuvius begins to erupt in the afternoon. There is a historical account, a letter written to the historian Tacitus by Pliny the Younger, who describes the scene. His mother points out a dark cloud in the early afternoon. His uncle, where he was staying, went closer in to rescue people. As fire was bursting out, he told his ships, onward!
His uncle’s body was found two days later, uninjured, but nonetheless very dead, likely from smoke inhalation. Some 16-20,000 other died with him from the eruption. The entire city of Pompeii was buried, and left undiscovered until 1749 when it was unearthed. This city now garners the attention of over 2.5 million visitors a year.