The eruption of Mount Vesuvius is one of the most horrifying events in human history, as it wiped out multiple towns, including Pompeii. However, not everyone knows the whole story of the buildup and aftermath of the eruption, and it paints an even more disturbing picture than we already have.

Despite what you may assume, there were warnings about the coming eruption, but they were most likely viewed as signs from a god instead of an actual weather warning. From the horrifying remains of the incident to the ways in which neighboring towns had it worse, let’s take a look at why the worst part of Pompeii’s destruction isn’t what you think.