Herculaneum

Total destruction - estimated 16,000 dead, Pompeii and Herculaneum buried under 60 feet of ash, cities forgotten for 1,700 years

Herculaneum initially spared - upwind from volcano, residents watch Pompeii's destruction, feel safe, fatal mistake

First pyroclastic surge hits Herculaneum - 1 AM, 400°C cloud races down at 100 mph, kills everyone instantly, bodies carbonized

Herculaneum accidentally rediscovered - well digger finds ancient theater, perfectly preserved by volcanic material