Study suggests Pliny’s 24 August AD79 more likely than autumn dates suggested in 18th century
Photograph: SimonSkafar/Getty Images/iStockphotoPhotograph: SimonSkafar/Getty Images/iStockphotoShare
But a study by Pompeii experts suggests that the Roman author Pliny the Younger probably had it right all along: the volcano erupted on 24 August AD79 and not later in the year as has been suggested. Another written account of the eruption was provided by the Greek-Roman historian and senator, Cassius Dio, who referred to it occurring in the autumn, which in ancient Roman times began on 8 August.
“Over the years, other dates have been hypothesised, based essentially on errors and misunderstanding,” he added. “Only in the second half of the 20th century did modern theology clearly establish that the oldest manuscripts have 24 August as the correct date. There are no alternatives and so it’s either you confirm Pliny or you have to simply assume that he made a mistake.”
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