Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book. Sample Book Insights:#1 The Roman Empire was based around the city of Rome, which was situated on the coast of the Bay of Naples. Pliny the Elder, an admiral, was in charge of maintaining and fitting out the boats that served primarily as protectors of the seas off Italy.#2 Pliny the Elder was a friend of Rectina, who lived beneath Vesuvius. She was terrified, and begged him to help her escape. He changed his plan and launched the entire fleet to help as many people as he could.#3 The fleet continued to head towards land, but the pumice and ash began to pile up in front of them. They were unable to reach Rectina, so they decided to land in Stabiae, a town just south of Pompeii.#4 The inhabitants of Campania were used to earthquakes, and they did not consider them to be particularly frightening. They were not aware that what was happening was the result of a volcanic eruption.