Scenes from Pompeii - On the morning of August 24th, 79 A. D., Mt Vesuveus burst open. Smoke, mud, flames and burning rock spewed from the summit of the mountain, sending a rain of ash and stone through the surrounding countryside. The mud poured down the sides of Vesuvius, swallowing nearby farms, orchards and villas. Adding to the destruction were the poison vapors that accompanied the falling debris. The fumes suffocated all life. The unfortunate who could not escape in time to avoid disaster were killed by falling buildings, overcome by fumes, or buried by the falling ash. Bodies were quickly covered by the volcano's mineral deposits blanketing Pompeii in a layer more than 30 feet thick. Over the years, the memory of Pompeii and the surrounding cities faded into vague legend. In the eighteenth century, when nearby Herculaneum was rediscovered by a peasant digging a well, a resurgence of interest began with the goal of finding the ancient Roman city. Pompeii itself was found during an excavation that began on March 23, 1748. From that date on, excavations at Pompeii have continued off and on. Portions of the site remain uncovered, and excavation and research teams are still attempting to reveal this mysterious city's secrets.