Although Vesuvius has been active at many times in its history, geologists have found traces of eight titanic eruptions. These eruptions are separated by 2,000 or 3,000 years. The most recent discovery dates to about 3,800 years ago and is located near the modern town of Nola. A similar eruption today would destroy Naples and surrounding areas to north-northwest of Vesuvius. (see http://news.nationalgeographic.com/ news/2006/03/ 0306_060306_vesuvius.html)