Pompeii’s Eruption Survivors: Their Relocation and Settlement

In the aftermath of the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius, which laid waste to the ancient city of Pompeii, the survivors faced the daunting task of finding new homes and rebuilding their lives. The majority of these refugees stayed relatively close to their original location, settling along the southern Italian coast. This article delves into the locations where the survivors resettled and the broader historical context of the region.

Relocation of the Survivors

The immediate area around the city of Pompeii, including cities such as Cumae, Naples, Ostia, and Puteoli, became havens for the displaced. These places offered refuge from the dangerous environment brought about by the volcanic eruption, particularly the lethal pyroclastic flows and the toxic volcanic ash.

Neapolis: A New Home

One of the most significant resettlement locations was Neapolis, a site north of the volcano. Neapolis, later known as Naples, became a major city and the third-largest in Italy today. It hosted a population of nearly a million in the city alone and up to three million in the surrounding areas. The city was funded as a colony by the citizens of Cumae, a Greek settlement just north of the location that would become modern-day Naples.

Historical Context and Volcanic Hazards

The eruption of Vesuvius, while devastating, was not the first volcanic event in the region. Vesuvius has a potential Volcanic Explosivity Index (VEI) of 6, and while the eruption that destroyed Pompeii is classified as a VEI 5, it is less than 10 times weaker than some previous eruptions. Additionally, Naples and the surrounding areas are also home to another volcanic area called Campi Flegrei, with a potential VEI of 7-8, which is classified as a "supervolcano."

Post-Eruption Life

Those who survived the immediate aftermath had various options. Many went to relatives or major cities where they could find food and work. In the absence of such support, some may have become bandits, surviving by any means possible along the roads and highways.

Escape Routes and the Prevailing Winds

The survivors primarily fled along the coast highway to Naples or by boat, using Misenum as a port. The prevailing winds at the time blew the ash towards the south, guiding the survivors towards the coastal cities where they could find safety and support.