![](http://www.alamy.com/thumbs/6/259A72C6-B13C-4B7D-850B-223D53344F55/C95GK4.jpg)
The excavated remains of a bakery and thermopolium showing the shapes of the embedded fireclay containers, Herculaneum, Italy
The town of Herculaneum (in modern Italian, Ercolano) was buried by volcanic pyroclastic flows, superheated mud and ash, on 24th August AD 79. The surges of boiling mud and ash filled the the town and buildings from the bottom up causing them little damage and preserving most of the structures from collapse. A deep (up to 25 meters), dense volcanic tuff formed an airtight seal over Herculaneum for 1,700 years
Size: 2848px × 4287px
Location: Herculaneum, Via 4 Novembre, Ercolano, Campania, Italy
Photo credit: © George Brice / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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