Frozen for centuries beneath the flow of lava.10 photos

In 79 AD, when the volcano Vesuvius erupted and spewed out a vast amount of molten lava, this terrible catastrophe was regarded as the most devastating and unbelievable eruption in all history. A huge cloud consisting of stones, ash, and hot steam rose 30 kilometers into the sky; combined with the flow of lava, it brought nothing but death and destruction. Centuries after the disaster, archaeologists conducting excavations discovered an incredible number of remains of the people of Pompeii—stone statues covered in Vesuvius’ ash. Entire groups of people who had sought refuge in hopes of surviving were found here. Once, this place was home to the most beautiful gardens. Today, when visitors come to see these petrified victims of this tragedy, this site is known as the Garden of the Prisoners.