The eruption of Vesuvius in AD/CE 79 destroyed the Roman city of Pompeii. In 24 hours the city was buried in seven and a half feet of volcanic ash, and over time this increased to over 30 feet. It remained buried and forgotten for almost 1700 years. We learn about Pompeii today from the words of 18 year old Pliny the Younger and from archaeological discoveries.
In class activities:
- Created a chart about Pompeii including our current knowledge, our questions, and what we learned in class
- Read 1st person account the final hours of Pompeii written by Pliny the Younger
- Created chalk pastel images of volcanic ash
- Learned about how archeologists filled voids in the ash to create casts
- Several children mentioned having visited a MOS exhibit on Pompeii and shared about what they learned
- Discussed how the excavation of Pompeii gives us insight into the lives of Romans
Optional lesson extension activities:
- View images the casts from Pompeii and learn about their restoration (warning for sensitive children: these are actual artifacts, so some skeletal remains are visible)
- Enjoy several online activities at Mr. Donn
- Watch a detailed video of Pompeii's final day. Historical fiction. Please pre-view, this may not be suitable for all children.
Assignment:
- Read history cards NT 29-31 (these are the final cards we will cover before electives. Save card 32 for next year)
- Practice your timeline
