Ancient Pompeii is known worldwide for having been destroyed by the Plinian eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE. However, the city experienced a prolonged period of seismicity preceding the catastrophe, beginning with a major earthquake in 62 CE, the effects of which are identifiable in the archaeological structures. This study examines multiple lines of evidence for superimposed, ancient seismic damage in four contexts excavated between 2018 and 2025, through an integrated multidisciplinary approach. The archaeoseismological investigation includes the stratigraphic analysis of elevations, the identification of construction techniques, building materials, and decorative styles, geoarchaeological stratigraphy, geotechnical aspects, and the characterization of the potential site effects through ambient vibration (Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio) measurements. The results reveal building damage attributable to up to three seismic episodes (designated as early, intermediate and final) separated by phases of repair/reconstruction/reinforcement. A seismic episode may be represented by a single event or, alternatively, by multiple undistinguishable events, collectively designated as a damaging phase. The final episode is consistently associated with the seismicity accompanying the eruption. Volcanological evidence further indicates that syn-eruptive seismic shaking caused significant damage during the Plinian phase, consistent with the earthquakes reported by Pliny the Younger. Overall, the recurrence of seismic events, in addition to the 79 CE eruption, played a fundamental role in shaping the archaeological heritage preserved within the Pompeii Archaeological Park.
On the Trail of the “Trembling” Pompeii (Italy): Superimposition of Building Damage and Repairs as Evidence of the Seismic History from the 62 CE Earthquake to the 79 CE Plinian Eruption
Galadini F.;Falcucci E.;De Rosa S.;Mariani M.;Minarelli L.;Vassallo M.;Di Vito M. A.;
2026-01-01
Abstract
Ancient Pompeii is known worldwide for having been destroyed by the Plinian eruption of Vesuvius in 79 CE. However, the city experienced a prolonged period of seismicity preceding the catastrophe, beginning with a major earthquake in 62 CE, the effects of which are identifiable in the archaeological structures. This study examines multiple lines of evidence for superimposed, ancient seismic damage in four contexts excavated between 2018 and 2025, through an integrated multidisciplinary approach. The archaeoseismological investigation includes the stratigraphic analysis of elevations, the identification of construction techniques, building materials, and decorative styles, geoarchaeological stratigraphy, geotechnical aspects, and the characterization of the potential site effects through ambient vibration (Horizontal-to-Vertical Spectral Ratio) measurements. The results reveal building damage attributable to up to three seismic episodes (designated as early, intermediate and final) separated by phases of repair/reconstruction/reinforcement. A seismic episode may be represented by a single event or, alternatively, by multiple undistinguishable events, collectively designated as a damaging phase. The final episode is consistently associated with the seismicity accompanying the eruption. Volcanological evidence further indicates that syn-eruptive seismic shaking caused significant damage during the Plinian phase, consistent with the earthquakes reported by Pliny the Younger. Overall, the recurrence of seismic events, in addition to the 79 CE eruption, played a fundamental role in shaping the archaeological heritage preserved within the Pompeii Archaeological Park.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
