One of the best-known volcanic episodes in history is rediscovered in an exhibit open now right here in Southern California.

The “A Day in Pompeii” display is in San Diego, one of only four stops in the nation.

The exhibit in the San Diego Natural History Museum in Balboa Park transports viewers back more than 1,900 years to the ancient Roman Empire city.

A seaport city seasoned with legend and lore, cosmopolitan Pompeii achieved dubious immortality when Mount Vesuvius erupted on Aug. 24, 79 AD, and entombed it. The fateful burial ground rested until 1748, when archaeologists began their excavations.

Carefully chosen, the 250 artifacts of human life in the exhibit range from fun to dramatic, from gold jewelry to frescos and household items.

But without a doubt, the most sobering are body casts of the volcano’s victims — among them a man in midflight, with the folds of clothing imprinted, and a dog.

The artifacts are complemented by re-creations of life-size murals from living rooms to courtyards.

The exhibit’s revelations include just how residents lived before being buried under 30 feet of volcanic debris. Unexpected details include their habits of eating while reclining on one elbow; examples on some pillars of that era’s graffiti; and news that the rich and the more able fled from the beautiful vacation city to escape the volcano’s gas, pumice and ash.

This step back into time begins with a welcome near the ticket desk by three soldiers wearing breastplates and carrying spears and shields. Visitors pose for pictures with these greeters — one boldly wearing a decidedly nonancient baseball cap, in stark contrast to his helmeted colleagues.

Information compares the city of Pompeii with San Diego, naturally prompting questions about how much would be lost if contemporary lifestyles were to be affected by a natural catastrophe.

The exhibit runs through June 15. “Pompeii” is on view 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. But if you’re considering a day trip this weekend, be advised that San Diego’s Rock ’n’ Roll Marathon is on Sunday and may affect freeway entrance to the park.

“Pompeii” tickets include an audio tour (English and Spanish) and admission to the museum with other exhibits.

Prices range from $7 to $22, depending on age and museum membership. Be aware that tickets are for specific entry times and can be purchased at the museum’s visitor services desk or by calling 877-946-7797.

The groups responsible for the collaborative exhibit are Soprintendenza archeologica di Pompei, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center, the Science Museum of Minnesota, Discovery Place and the San Diego Natural History Museum.

Learn more online at http://www.sdnhm.org/pompeii.