From the Introduction: Pompeii, 79 AD. It is the event of the year: Vulcanalia. To honor Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, the city is ablaze with festivities. The celebrations last for several days of orgies, games, markets, and more. Then suddenly all hell breaks loose. Vesuvius erupts in a massive explosion, sending streams of lava, rains of stone and clouds of ash towards the city of Pompeii. As panic spreads and the lava streams close in on the city, people try to make the best of it. Every way they can. It is Vulcanalia after all.