In the summer of 79 AD, Mount Vesuvius, located near the Bay of Naples, Italy, began to stir, coinciding with the feast day of Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. Early signs of eruption were noted by inhabitants in the nearby towns, including Pompeii and Herculaneum. Accounts suggest that the mountain emitted smoke and experienced seismic tremors, which piqued the public's interest, though many were unaware of the gravity of the situation. This awakening of Vesuvius was first remarked upon by Pliny the Younger, whose later accounts offered insights into the devastating eruption that would follow.

Vesuvius had remained dormant for centuries prior to this resurgence. The landscape was lush, marked with villas and flourishing agriculture surrounding the towns, and life continued as usual for the inhabitants. As reports of smoke and tremors spread, the citizens were divided in their response—some were alarmed, while others viewed it merely as an unusual phenomenon. However, the signs were an indication that nature was preparing to unleash a disaster that would go down in history.

As days progressed, the seismic activity escalated, leading to a devastating eruption that would culminate in the destruction of both Pompeii and Herculaneum, burying the cities in ash and preserving them for centuries under the volcanic debris. The initial signs on the feast day of Vulcan can be seen as the beginning of a chapter that would not only alter the landscape but also leave an indelible mark on human history, revealing insights about volcanic activity and disaster response that are studied to this day.