When did the first volcanic eruption be recorded in written history?
Quick Answer
One of the earliest well-known written records is the eruption of Mount Etna in 122 BCE, described by ancient authors. However, much earlier eruptions certainly happened before written records existed.
The Full Story
One of the earliest volcanic eruptions recorded in written history is the eruption of Mount Etna in 122 BCE. Ancient writers, including Strabo and others, described devastation around Sicily from Etna's activity. This is not the earliest eruption to occur, only one of the earliest to be documented by people using written sources. Long before that, volcanoes had been erupting for millions of years, but without surviving human records.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"The oldest volcano eruption ever written down may surprise you"
Was this answer helpful?
Tap a reaction — it helps us pick what to cover next.