In 471, if we may credit tradition, this mountain broke out again so furiously, that its cinders and liquid fire were carried as far as Constantinople; which prodigy was thought, by superstitious minds, to presage the destruction of the empire, that happened immediately after, by that inundation of Goths, which spread itself all over Europe.

There are several other eruptions recorded, but not so considerable as the former, until 1631, when the earth shook so much as to endanger the total destruction of Naples and Benevento. This did inestimable damage to the neighbouring places; and it is computed near 10,000 lost their lives in the flames and ruins.

The air was infected with such noxious vapours that it caused a plague, which lasted a long time, and spread as far as the neighbourhood of Rome. Since which time, the most memorable are the eruptions in 1701, (of which Mr. Addison, who saw it, has left us a good description), and in 1717, as described above, by a curious spectator.

There have been eight eruptions within the last 30 years; of some of which Sir Wm. Hamilton has favoured the world with very particular and interesting accounts.

What tongue the dreadful slaughter could disclose;
Or, oh! what tears could answer half their woes?

Explanation of the Cut of Mount Vesuvius.

  1. The Southern Summit, out of which the fire proceeds.
  2. The Northern Summit.
  3. The Rocks on the North.
  4. The Valley between the two Summits.
  5. The Opening on the Side where the fiery Torrent broke out.
  6. The first Opening, called the Plain.
  7. The Course which the last fiery Torrent took.
  8. The Chapel of St. Januarius.

HAVING been so particular in describing Vesuvius, we need say the less concerning ÆTNA, which is the greatest mountain in Sicily, eight