The only woman in Pompeii that survived the eruption

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD caught everyone by surprise. The city of Pompeii was buried under a mountain of volcanic ash, pumice, rocks and water. In the aftermath of the eruption, it became apparent that thousands of people had perished in the disaster.<br><br>Excavations in the 18th century uncovered many of the bodies that had been buried alive in the city. These bodies were preserved under the volcanic ash for almost 1800 years. Many of the bodies found showed that the residents had tried to flee the city in panic, but were caught in their doorways. Others were found in their beds, having been buried alive in their sleep. It is estimated that over 1600 bodies have been uncovered since the excavations began.<br><br>Despite the massive loss of life, one house in Pompeii contained evidence that a woman and her two children had survived the eruption. The house was found to be remarkably well-preserved, with everything remaining almost exactly as it had been left in 79AD. In one room, a large stone container had been left open, presumably by the occupant when they fled. Inside, archaeologists found food, wine, coins and clothing that suggested a woman had taken her two children with her when she fled. It is presumed that this family must have escaped the city, and their house became one of the few in Pompeii that was never occupied again.