Around 1995 BC, the so-called Avellino eruption occurred. This was one of the first eruptions of Vesuvius that resulted in the annihilation of human settlements.

This event was larger than the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 and contributed to the destruction of many human settlements of the Apennine culture. On the Volcanic Explosivity Index scale, this eruption had a magnitude of 6, while the eruption of 79 had "only" 5. Representatives of the Apennine culture inhabited the entire Apennine Peninsula and were characterized by the construction of round houses on stone foundations, burials in caves and megalithic tombs, and the ability to breed animals.