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The shape of this Pompeian’s body has been preserved by the volcanic ash and mud that encrusted it nearly two thousand years ago. Vesuvius continues to pose a threat to those who live in its shadow: The volcano has erupted nearly three dozen times since 79 A.D. Today about one million people reside or work within a 4-mile radius of the volcano, an area that would be destroyed within the first 15 minutes of a medium to large-scale eruption.