Can We Find Survivors from the Eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD? 

Now on YouTube at https://youtu.be/lgzzbvdZtA0

This lecture proposes answers to the questions of who – if anyone – survived the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79, and where any survivors relocated. After creating 8 categories of evidence that might indicate refugee resettlement, names from many Roman cities were analyzed. Analysis found that refugees resettled in Cumae, Neapolis, and Puteoli, more people survived from Pompeii than from Herculaneum, that most stayed in coastal Campania, and that government intervention and support came after resettlement, but did not drive it. Additionally, some refugees seem to have selected their refuge cities based on social and economic networks.

Steven L. Tuck is Professor of History and Classics at Miami University. He earned a PhD in Classical Art and Archaeology from the University of Michigan.  His publications include works on Roman art and archaeology and Greek and Latin inscriptions. He has also created five courses on the ancient world for The Great Courses. In the summers he leads workshops and study tours in Italy for high school Latin teachers. He has received 9 awards for undergraduate teaching including the AIA Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award.