2) What natural disaster were the people of Pompeii accustomed to experiencing?

The people of Pompeii were primarily accustomed to experiencing volcanic activity, particularly eruptions from Mount Vesuvius. This phenomenon was a significant part of their environment due to the mountain's proximity to the city. While volcanic eruptions were the most devastating natural disasters they faced, the region also had the potential for earthquakes, which were less frequent but could also be destructive. The residents of Pompeii lived in the shadow of Vesuvius, and while they may have experienced smaller eruptions or tremors without catastrophic consequences, they could not have foreseen the catastrophic eruption in 79 AD that led to the city's burial under volcanic ash and pumice. This historical event serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with living near active volcanoes.