OtterKnow Kids EncyclopediaMount Vesuvius is a famous volcano in Italy. It sits near the city of Naples, right next to the ocean. It is 4,203 feet tall. Vesuvius is one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world because about 3 million people live nearby.
In the year 79 AD, Vesuvius erupted and buried the ancient Roman city of Pompeii under ash and rock. The city was hidden for almost 1,700 years until people dug it up. Today you can visit Pompeii and see the old streets, houses, and even a bakery.
- Vesuvius has erupted many times since then.
- The last eruption was in 1944, during World War II.
- Scientists keep a close watch on it every day.
- The soil around Vesuvius is very rich, so farmers grow delicious tomatoes and grapes on its slopes!
