After the eruption, one learns through the writings of Suetonius and Dio Cassuis (Roman writers), that Emperor Titus rushed to the nearest unaffected area of Campania to set up relief efforts. The surrounding towns that gave aid and shelter to survivors received perks and benefits. Titus set up an aid-fund, which donated the property of those who died without a written will and gave funds raised from them to those who survived the natural disaster (Berry, 2007). Just as in any natural disaster, those affected returned to try and pick up what pieces were left and anything that still contained value (Mau,1902: 25). The towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum were then almost forgotten, only residing in the realms of myth and legend.