House of the FaunThe house of the Faun is one of the most-well known homes in Pompeii. It is a very large home spanning about 1 city block. It is evident that the home owner is extremely wealthy from the large columns at the entrance to the large, colored tiles on the floor. The house has two atriums and 2 peristyle gardens. The famous statue of the dancing fawn impluvium. There is also a copy of the famous mosaic of the battle between Alexander the Great and Darius, the Persian king. The original mosaic and statue of the fawn are housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. Map #1
|
House of the Tragic Poet
This home is easily recognized by the famous mosaic at the front entry. CAVE CANEM is Latin for Beware of the Dog! The mosaic is protected by glass, hence the glare in the photos. Although visitors are not allowed inside of the house at the time of this trip, guides tell me that there are mythological images inside the house featuring scenes from the Iliad as well as Theseus leaving Ariadne behind on his trip home from defeating the Minotaur. Map #4
|
House of the Ara Maxima
This home has a beautiful atrium with many frescoes on the walls. It is the focal point of the home. Unlike other domi in Pompeii, this home does not have a garden. Also, instead of a traditional tablinum across from the entry, there is only a small room. According to A Guide to the Pompeii Excavations, the home was named after a painting of Hercules near an altar. This altar is believed to be the Ara Maxima built by Hercules in Rome. Map #13
|
Castellum Aquae
The Castellum Aquae (below) is a water distribution center that connects with the Augustan aqueduct. This form of ancient hydraulic engineering provided water for the city of Pompeii. The holes at the bottom center of the structure were for 3 pipes. Map #14
Villa of the Mysteries
Please go to the Villa of Mysteries page to learn more about this unique Roman villa and see more photos and videos. Map #22
|