Pompeii: The Last Day Video Worksheet

Sequence the key events of the Mount Vesuvius eruption as depicted in the documentary

Identify the roles and choices of individuals in Pompeii before and during the disaster

Practice active-viewing note-taking skills while watching a historical documentary

Because questions follow the film in strict chronological order, pausing briefly after each major event lets students answer in real time rather than trying to recall details afterward.

The personal stories referenced in the questions (Pliny the Elder, Polybius, Stefanas) work well as discussion points for a follow-up class conversation on how individuals responded differently to the disaster.

Preview the questions with students before viewing so they know which historical figures and details to watch for.

Chronological sequencing — practised by answering questions in the order events occur in the documentary

Historical comprehension — practised by tracking the choices and outcomes of specific individuals in Pompeii