Photo of the Day 443

Victim of Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum, Italy, 1994

Photograph by O. Louis Mazzatenta

A reddish-brown skeleton, belonging to a victim of the infamous Mount Vesuvius eruption, lies partially uncovered in the ancient city of Herculaneum. The lesser-known sister city of Pompeii, Herculaneum was quickly buried by a glowing avalanche—consisting of fast-moving gases, pumice, and rocks—on that fateful August day in A.D. 79.

(Photo shot on assignment for, but not published in, "The Dead Do Tell Tales at Vesuvius," May 1984, National Geographic magazine)

Photo of the Day 422

Ruins, Pompeii, Italy, 1984

Photograph by O. Louis Mazzatenta

The overgrown ruins of Pompeii stretch into the horizon, providing a glimpse into the flourishing urban life of its citizens before the devastating eruption of Mount Vesuvius. The volcano has erupted 80 times since unleashing colossal destruction in A.D. 79 but has remained mercifully quiet since 1944.

(Photo shot on assignment for, but not published in, "The Dead Do Tell Tales at Vesuvius," May 1984, National Geographic magazine)

Photo of the Day 207

Cars Passing the Colosseum, Rome, Italy, 1981

Photograph by O. Louis Mazzatenta

Nearly 2,000 years ago, the Colosseum was built to host gladiator duels, battle reenactments, and other public spectacles. Now, the 50,000-seat stone-and-concrete amphitheater serves Rome in another capacity: as a traffic circle.

(Photo shot on assignment for, but not published in, "Down the Ancient Appian Way," June 1981, National Geographic magazine)