VESUVIUS 



505 



In the top of the mountain was a deep depression some 

 three miles in diameter, partly filled with water and almost 

 entirely surrounded by precipitous rock cliffs. There 

 were no signs of internal disturbance. Around the moun- 

 tain were scattered prosperous cities, the soil was fertile, 

 the vegetation luxuriant. To this natural fortress Spar- 

 tacus, the gladiator, retreated when he first began to defy 

 the power of Rome. 



In 63 A.D. the region about the mountain was shaken 

 by a severe earthquake which did much damage. This 



VESUVIUS AND NAPLES 



was followed by other earthquakes during a period of six- 

 teen years. In August, 79 A.D:, the whole region was fright- 

 fully shaken, and the previously quiet mountain began to 

 belch forth volcanic dust, cinders, and stones, so that for 

 miles around the sun was obscured, and a pall of utter 

 darkness shrouded the country, lighted at intervals by 

 terrific flashes of lightning. 



