The Real Story from History, looks at one of the world's most devastating natural disasters and projects what would happen if Mt. Vesuvius erupted again today. Many scientists believe we are playing with fire and that Vesuvius will erupt soon, and question how the now three million residents could escape. In 79 AD Vesuvius exploded, burying the city of Pompeii and other Roman towns along the Bay of Naples beneath layers of ash and pumice, killing thousands.