This children’s article, The town that turned to ash. Pompeii explained for kids, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It can help children build vocabulary, learn about ancient history, and understand the power of volcanoes. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.
What happened in Pompeii?
In the year 79 CE, something terrifying happened in a Roman town called Pompeii. A nearby volcano, Mount Vesuvius, suddenly erupted, sending fire, smoke, and ash high into the sky. People were caught by surprise, and many didn’t survive.
But here’s the strange part: because of the ash, the town of Pompeii was perfectly preserved. That means we can still see buildings, streets, and even things like bread, tools, and people’s footprints, almost exactly as they were 2,000 years ago!
Let’s take a closer look at what happened.
Life in ancient Pompeii
Pompeii was a busy Roman town in Italy, close to the Bay of Naples. It had shops, markets, theatres, homes, temples, and even bathhouses. Around 12,000 people lived there.
People wore togas, wrote messages on walls, and loved to eat bread, olives, and fish sauce. Life in Pompeii was lively and fun, but no one expected what was coming.
The volcano erupts
On the morning of the 24th of August, 79 CE, Mount Vesuvius exploded. Smoke and ash filled the air, and rocks rained down from the sky. Many people didn’t know what was happening because they had never seen a volcanic eruption before.
Some ran away. Others stayed in their homes, hoping it would stop. But it got worse. A giant cloud of ash and gas rushed down the mountain at high speed. It was so hot and fast that it covered the city in just a few hours.
Buried in time
Pompeii was completely buried under metres of ash. Everything was frozen in place, even the people and animals. The town then stayed hidden for nearly 1,700 years.
Then, in the 1700s, people began digging and found the ruins of Pompeii. Since then, archaeologists have discovered streets, houses, paintings, and even loaves of bread still in ovens!
Pompeii is now one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.
Why is Pompeii important?
Pompeii gives us a window into the past. It shows us how people lived in Roman times, what they ate, what they wore, and what they believed.
It also reminds us of the power of nature. Volcanoes are beautiful, but they can also be incredibly dangerous.
Today, Mount Vesuvius is still an active volcano. Scientists watch it closely to help keep people safe.
Article vocabulary list
- Volcano – A mountain that can explode with lava, ash, and gas.
- Erupted – Exploded or burst out suddenly.
- Ash – The soft grey powder left after something burns.
- Preserved – Kept safe or protected from damage.
- Archaeologists – People who study old places and objects to learn about history.
- Frozen in place – Not moving, stuck exactly as it was.
- Ruins – What is left of buildings after they are broken or destroyed.
- Active volcano – A volcano that could erupt again.
Comprehension questions
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1. What is the name of the volcano near Pompeii?
A) Mount Everest
B) Mount Vesuvius
C) Mount Etna
Answer: B) Mount Vesuvius
2. When did the eruption happen?
Answer: 79 CE
3. Why was Pompeii preserved so well?
A) It was covered in lava
B) It was buried under ash
C) It was saved by the sea
Answer: B) It was buried under ash
4. What have archaeologists found in Pompeii?
A) Only bones
B) Just stones and mud
C) Streets, houses, and even bread
Answer: C) Streets, houses, and even bread
5. Why do scientists watch Mount Vesuvius today?
A) To take photos
B) Because it is an active volcano
C) To build a museum
Answer: B) Because it is an active volcano
Mark is a writer and EFL teacher from England with eight years’ experience. He’s passionate about travel, sport (especially football), animals, nature, and history, and enjoys helping children explore the world through language and learning.
