A deafening boom roars through Pompeii's crowded marketplace. The ground shakes     1     (violent), throwing shoppers off balance. People scream and point toward Mount Vesuvius, a massive volcano     2     rises above them.

Nearly 2,000 years ago, Pompeii was a busy southern Italian city. But in 79, the nearby Mount Vesuvius volcano erupted. Almost overnight, Pompeii and many of its 10,000 residents disappeared under     3     blanket of ash.

Pompeii was basically forgotten until it     4     (rediscover) in 1748. Thanks     5     diggings, scientists have been able to figure out almost exactly what happened on that terrible day.

After the volcano first erupted shortly after noon, the thick ash turned everything black. Some residents escaped the city, while others took shelter in their homes. But the ash kept     6     (fall). Piles grew as deep as nine feet in some places, blocking doorways.

    7     (base) on what they uncovered, scientists believe that Pompeii was a prosperous town popular with     8     (wealth) Romans. Well-paved streets had high sidewalks. To relax, people soaked in public baths and enjoyed plays in two theaters.

Pompeii may be ancient history, but scientists are pretty sure Mount Vesuvius is overdue for another major     9     (explode). Luckily the people living near the volcano today will likely receive     10     (warning) before it blows.