Flashback Four : The Pompeii Disaster

August 24, 79 AD

Seventeen years after being rocked by a major earthquake, the city of Pompeii had recovered and was a bustling metropolis.  The local historian, Seneca, wrote that quakes lasted for several days in early August of the year 79, but people were so accustomed to them that they were ignored.

Early escapees of the city were able to flee to nearby Misenum (about 13 miles away).  One of these was Pliny the Younger, who wrote that he observed, "the sea retreating as if pushed by the earthquakes" and "black and horrible clouds, broken by sinuous shapes of flaming wind."  He was seeing the wind - which ultimately doomed the people of Pompeii - and a tsunami that resulted from the earthquake.

Vesuvius' first explosion took everyone by surprise, and only 2,000 residents survived that first blast.  In only 25 hours, over 30,000 people died from the eruption!

The volcanic mud overtook the town so quickly, most victims died instantly -- the superheated air burned their lungs, and they were left curled up in ash and preserved for eons.  Because of the speed, the city of Pompeii became a snapshot of daily life in ancient Rome, and is a treasure trove for archaeologists.  

Our spine read for this unit study is The Pompeii Disaster

Access the complete unit study in the World History Novel Studies Bundle!

Includes seven unit studies (plus a bonus!) covering World History. Each unit addresses a new topic, spanning from Pompeii to World War 2.  Each unit has introductory text, which will give the student basic background information about the topic at hand.

• There are photographs and illustrations, and we have also included primary documents when available.
• After this text, there are featured videos, which augment the background information and help make the topic more accessible for more visual students.
• You will also find a short list of reading books, including a featured novel that the unit builds upon.
• There are vocabulary words, places, and people to identify.
• Reading comprehension, critical thinking questions, and writing assignments are included.
• We add fun with hands-on activities and extra videos to watch that will bring the era to life.

Product samples:   The Night Witches & Women in Aviation   &   The Lookout Tree & the Great Acadian Upheaval

These studies are directed toward upper grades students, but some have resources for younger students so that the whole family can work together. Our family has used unit studies as curriculum for many years, and we hope that your family will enjoy these, too!