Mt. Vesuvius

Mount Vesuvius is an active volcano located just east of Naples, Italy. It is the only volcano on the continent of Europe to have erupted in the last one hundred years, though other volcanoes have erupted on islands in the Mediterranean Sea. In 1631, approximately 3,000 people were killed by an eruption from Mount Vesuvius. Since 1631, the 4,200 foot high volcano has erupted at least 21 times. Mount Vesuvius is considered particularly dangerous because today, nearly three million people live in the direct path of a potential future eruption.
Mount Vesuvius is most famous for its landmark eruption in the year 79 AD, which buried the cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in layers of burning ash. The only account of the eruption that survives is from Pliny the Younger. From his dramatic account, scientists believe the cloud of ash he witnessed descend upon Pompeii was 20 miles high. The city of Pompeii was completely buried. It was rediscovered in 1748, more than 1600 years after the eruption. The people of Pompeii were found buried under 12 layers of soil. Many of the buildings were amazingly well-preserved, as were the bodies of those who were just going about their daily routines when the eruption occurred. The ruins at Pompeii have provided archaeologists with valuable information about how people in the Roman Empire lived. Today, Pompeii is one of the most visited sites in Italy.

Which of the following best SPECIFIES the location of Mt. Vesuvius?
1. Italy
2. Southern Italy
3. Just east of Naples, Italy
4. Europe
Why is Mount Vesuvius considered very dangeous?
1. Because it has erupted before.
2. It is a very high volcano.
3. Because many people live in the path of a possible eruption.
4. Because it buried Pompeii in the year 79 AD.
How many volcanoes have erupted in mainland Europe in the past 100 years?
1. 0
2. 1
3. It's impossible to say.
4. More volcanoes have erupted in mainland Europe than on islands in the Mediterranean Sea.
What does the word "descend" mean in the following sentence?

'From his dramatic account, scientists believe the cloud of ash he witnessed descend upon Pompeii was 20 miles high.'
1. destroy
2. cover
3. fall down on
4. hang on
Why do you think Pompeii is one of the most visited sites in Italy?
1. Because people can see Mt. Vesuvius.
2. Because people can see the well-preserved ruins of ancient buildings.
3. Because people can see the well-preserved bodies of people who were caught in the eruption.
4. All of the Above
What word probably would not describe the eruption of Mount Vesuvius?
1. violent
2. devastating
3. contagious
4. destructive
What happened second?
1. The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
2. The account of the eruption was recorded by Pliny the Younger
3. Pompeii was rediscovered.
4. 1631
Scientists believe the cloud of ash Pliny the Younger witnessed descend upon __________________________ was ______________ miles high.
1. Pompeii; 20
2. Herculaneum; 20
3. Pompeii; 12
4. Herculaneum; 12
Which of the following is NOT true?
1. The ruins at Pompeii have provided archaeologists with valuable information about how people in the Greek Empire lived
2. Pompeii remained buried under the soil for over 1600 years.
3. Mount Vesuvius has erupted 21 times since 1631
4. Three million people live in the path of a possible Mt. Vesuvius eruption.
Which of the following would best represent an appropriate title for this passage?
1. The history of Herculaneum
2. Pompeii's role in the Roman Empire.
3. Volcanoes of the World.
4. The eruptions of Mt. Vesuvius