The famous volcano that erupted in Italy in AD 79 is Mount Vesuvius. This catastrophic eruption is best known for burying the Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum under volcanic ash and pumice, preserving them for centuries. The explosive eruption released a cloud of stones, ashes, and fumes to a height of 33 kilometers (20.5 miles), leading to significant loss of life. The site has since become an important archaeological location, offering insights into ancient Roman life. Today, Vesuvius remains an active volcano and is closely monitored for potential eruptions.