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Book Review of History for Kids: The Ancient Roman City of Pompeii

History for Kids: The Ancient Roman City of Pompeii
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Charles Rivers offers a series of histories for kids. This particular book is aimed at the 7 to 10-year-old crowd. A multitude of color photos help tell the story of the terrible death and destruction of the city of Pompeii. This city, at the time Vesuvius erupted, was a resort destination for wealthy Romans. There was an amphitheater, gladiator games, bars, taverns, 3 bathhouses, and an advanced underground pipe system that provided drinking water for people and animals.

In 62 CE, an earthquake struck near Pompeii. Instead of closing the city, Emperor Nero spent money to repair everything. Seventeen years later, on August 23-24, 79 CE, the end came with ash spewing down to coat the city with 12 feet of ash.

About 90% of the people of Pompeii got out but about 2000 stayed behind. Herculaneum, a nearby city was completely buried also. People went back too soon and opened pockets of gas, which killed more people. This book goes on to state that Mount Vesuvius has continued to erupt (79, 202, 306, 472, 513, 533, and 1631 -- all CE).

The stories of the excavation of Pompeii are quite interesting. Now, almost 3 million people visit yearly to see what happened so long ago. This is a quick, 38-page explanation; it met my needs very well.