The natural disaster that struck Pompeii in 79 AD was a catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius. This event buried the Roman city under a thick blanket of volcanic ash and pumice, preserving much of the city’s architecture and artifacts. The eruption released a series of pyroclastic flows and ash falls, leading to the deaths of thousands of people and the rapid entombment of the city. It remained lost for nearly 1,700 years until its rediscovery in the 18th century. The excavation of Pompeii has provided invaluable insights into Roman life, culture, and technology, making it one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world.