How long did it take victims in Pompeii to die and was the cause of death most likely toxic gases extreme heat or just breathing large amounts of volcanic ash erupting Mount Vesuvius?

Answer 1

Victims in Pompeii likely died within minutes to hours after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The primary causes of death were intense heat and toxic gases, particularly from the pyroclastic flows, which could reach temperatures of 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,832 degrees Fahrenheit). While inhaling volcanic ash contributed to respiratory distress, the immediate lethal effects were primarily due to the extreme thermal and toxic environment created by the eruption.