The Vesuvian “Pomici di Avellino” eruption and Early Bronze Age settlement in the middle Clanis valley

Abstract

Archaeological rescue work conducted prior to the construction of the high-velocity rail line in the Province of Naples (Italy), in particular in the area of Afragola, has yielded new and important information regarding the impact of the Vesuvian Pomici di Avellino eruption on human communities living in this part of the Campanian plain. Of particular significance was the discovery of a village destroyed by the eruption, the excavation of which has allowed an understanding of the mode and timescale of collapse of each building, and thus revealed (in varying degrees of completeness) the structural details of each building type. Thousands of human footprints and animal hoof prints were found both inside and outside the village, providing clear evidence of the initial hurried flight and also of the subsequent exodus due to the disruption of natural drainage the eruption caused.