What date did the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius occur?

The eruption of Mt. Vesuvius is famously known to have occurred on August 24, 79 AD. This catastrophic event is well-documented, particularly for its devastating impact on the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were buried under a thick blanket of volcanic ash and pumice. The date is traditionally associated with the beginning of the eruption, although recent scholarship suggests that the most intense activity might have occurred over the subsequent days.

Understanding this date is crucial in recognizing the significance of the eruption in Roman history, as it offers insights into the culture, lifestyle, and eventual fate of the people living in that region during the Roman Empire. The archaeological findings from Pompeii and other locations have provided invaluable information about daily life in ancient Rome, and this event marks a pivotal moment in that historical narrative.

The other dates are not connected to the eruption of Vesuvius: March 15, 44 AD, is known as the ides of March, the date of Julius Caesar's assassination; April 21, 753 BC, is traditionally recognized as the founding date of Rome; and September 1, 79 AD, is not supported by historical evidence as being related to the eruption itself.