4) Pompeii – Pompeii, Italy
In the year 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius erupted. The smoke from the eruption could be seen for hundreds of miles and many witnesses. For many of those at the town near the base of the mountain, this experience was too frightening and they fled as ash began to fall from the sky. However, a number stayed, dedicated to their homes and families. Over a short period of time, more ash filled the air and a pyroclastic surge, or a mass made of combined graveled rock and poisonous gas claimed the earth surrounding the mountain, including the town and its remaining inhabitants. This surge covered the town, sealing all town members in a solid covering and keeping their poses in a frozen state in the time since. When rediscovered in 1748 and all the dust was uncovered, a preserved town full of positioned remains was found.
