The Saint Louis Science Center will host Eruption Week to explore Pompeii’s history from August 22-24.

ST. LOUIS — Nearly 2,000 years ago, the eruption of Mount Vesuvius buried the Roman city of Pompeii and its residents under 15 feet of ash and volcanic debris. The Saint Louis Science Center and POMPEII: THE EXHIBITION provide an up-close look at the preserved artifacts and fascinating technology discovered around Pompeii to tell the tale of the amazing lives enjoyed by its residents prior to the eruption.

To commemorate the eruption date – August 24, 79 A.D., the Science Center will host Eruption Week activities from August 22-24 this year. Each day during that period, the Science Center will explore:

ECOLOGY (Friday, Aug 22) – Gardens played a significant and multifaceted role in the Roman world – both in public areas and private homes. While highly ornamental, gardens offered a refuge of peace and tranquility full of religious and symbolic meaning, they also served as a food source that grew a family’s herbs and vegetables, a kitchen where ovens circulated heat away from or into indoor areas, and areas to showcase technological marvel with lavish decorations, intricate irrigation systems and cross-pollination of plant species. 

ENGINEERING (Saturday, Aug 23) – Pompeii’s advanced plumbing system distributed water throughout the city for access to clean drinking water for all citizens and heated/cooled water for specific uses within homes, baths and other buildings. To learn about the elaborate system of pipes and aqueducts that moved water around Pompeii, guests can complete a map to best route the supply to the city’s residents.

ERUPTION DAY (Sunday, Aug 24) – The entire Science Center will come alive throughout the day (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) to commemorate the eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Guests can discover the role of graffiti in Pompeiian communication (much like social media does for us today), create a mosaic, build an amphitheater out of Keva blocks, learn how the eruption has influenced Italian agriculture (through Roma tomatoes, wine and more) and enjoy all of the special events mentioned above. Additionally, demonstrations and shows at the Science Center’s Energy Stage will explain volcanic eruptions and other topics throughout the day.

Want more local lifestyle news delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for the Show Me newsletter.