In Memory of Volcano Day, August 24th, in the year 832 From the Founding of Rome

Today is the day traditionally marked as the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, in the year 832 AUC.  Tragic as that day was, it at least preserved for us information about the period, and about Epicureanism, that we would likely never have obtained otherwise.  (If you’ve never seen it, you might be interested in the Dr. Who show devoted to this event.)

Today marks a good day to make a new addition to the site in the right sidebar, the famous “leaping pig” found in the Villa of the Papyrii in Herculaneum and now in the Naples Museum. Also below is a reference from Horace that may well explain its relevance to Epicureans:

Think of me fat and sleek and in good keeping, when you wish to laugh, a hog of Epicurus’ herd.
Horace – Letter IV to Albius Tibullus