If you have been following the news recently you will know that one of the buildings that was left in ruins after the eruption of Vesuvius in AD 79 finally crumbled and fell in November 2010. The House of Gladiators succumbed to the elements in recent days and the event has made headlines around the world.

But perhaps the biggest worry here is not the consequences of losing such a notable structure dating from some two thousand years ago. It is the worry that other buildings in Pompeii may eventually follow in the same manner.

Newspapers, reporters and other experts have said that Pompeii is in desperate need of support. Despite the popularity and historical importance of the site it is known that the government does not give it too much attention – and certainly not enough. This collapse of a major landmark in Pompeii has led to more calls for support, and for the whole area to be privatised. This should bring in much needed financial support to protect the area and also to make sure it is given the respect it deserves.

So does this mean you should think about visiting Pompeii now before anything else happens?

It would certainly be a good idea. Officials have stated that the building collapsed due to heavy rain, but many have said that if the building had been properly maintained in the first place, it would not have happened. Hopefully this dreadful event will make the government sit up and take notice of the responsibility they have to protect this national monument.

Pompeii was buried along with its many inhabitants back in AD 79. It would be a shame if the ruins that have since been uncovered were allowed to succumb to mere rain storms instead of a fresh eruption by Mount Vesuvius. Hopefully things will improve but if you want to see as much of Pompeii as possible you should perhaps think about taking a trip to Italy now, instead of leaving things open to chance in the future. Hopefully Pompeii will receive the respect it deserves and the government will plough in the cash needed to protect it from another disaster – this time in the 21st century.