European Geophysical Society
Gayus Plinius Secundus, Plinius the Old
 
Gayus Plinius Secundus, known as Plinius the “Old” was born in 24 A.D., in Como, in the Italian Peninsula. Although their first works were treatises on military strategy, after the rise of Nero as Emperor of Rome, he left the army and devoted himself entirely to science. His main scientific legacy consists of 37 volumes of the work "Naturalis Historia" (Natural History). He was appointed commander of the Roman navy at Micenum, and died the year 79 A.D., on August 25th, in the Vesuvio volcano, after climbing to observe it and take notes about the eruption that had destroyed Pompeya and Herculano.