A letter written by young Pliny to Tazito mentions that the eruption of Vesuvius that destroyed Pompeii and Herculano took place on 24 August 79. But the letter is not original, but a medieval copy, a date that several experts have questioned for having found in the site nuts, chestnuts, grenades and other autumn fruits.

Now, a group of Italian researchers has delayed the date for two months, until 24 October 79, with clear and simple proof: On the wall of a Pompeii house they found in 2018 an inscription made with charcoal wedges dated October 17, 79.