Extravagantly Decorated ‘Little House’ Discovered in Pompeii

When we think of murals in homes in Pompeii, we often think of ornate banquet rooms or ornate colonnaded courtyards. However, researchers concluded that even the “small houses” in the ancient city may have been richly decorated with frescoes.

Discovery It was discovered during ongoing excavations at the Insula dei casti Amanti construction site in the central area of ​​Pompeii. Excavations have been ongoing at the site of the ancient city for more than 600 years. new archaeological finds makes headlines regularly. Pompeii was covered in volcanic ash after the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, and the ash covering the city is believed to be responsible for the excellent preservation of its ruins.

A half-excavated fresco in the central area of ​​Pompeii (2024). Image courtesy of Pompeii Archaeological Park.

During their survey of central Pompeii along the Via dell’Abbondanza, archaeologists in the area found small houses with extensive murals, classified as having no traditional atrium.

The atrium was an open courtyard at the entrance of a house, surrounded by columns and small rooms. Atriums served as a reception area where household heads would hold meetings and some ceremonies would be held. The courtyard would also feature an impluvium, a basin for collecting rainwater that would serve both a decorative and functional purpose. Atriums were an important feature of large houses and a sign of wealth in ancient Rome. But researchers are now finding that being without an atrium did not prevent ancient Pompeians from lavishly decorating their homes.

A small house found to contain frescoes that would rival even its wealthiest neighbors is tentatively called the House of Phaedra, after a perfectly preserved fresco depicting a scene from the ancient myth of Hippolytus and Phaedra. Other scenes painted on the walls of the rear of Phaedra House include an embrace between a fairy and a satyr, a couple thought to be Venus and Adonis, and a damaged mural depicting the Doom of Paris.

Murals in the back rooms of Phaedra House (2024). Image courtesy of Pompeii Archaeological Park.

At the entrance to the house there was also a painted house altar decorated with motifs of birds of prey, sparrows, snakes and plants. A ceramic incense burner and a lamp were found inside the altar, complete with remnants of scented branches, both ceremonial objects.

It is believed that construction work was taking place on the House of Phaedra at the time of the eruption in 79 AD.

Based on the discoveries made in the House of Phaedra, archaeologists conclude that the presence of an atrium was not the be-all and end-all for the Pompeians to display their wealth, and even those living in houses without atriums could do anything to show off their taste. They display their belongings and furniture.

The Insula dei casti amanti construction site is at various levels of completion, with elevated walkways constructed to allow visitors to access some areas where excavations have been completed. Italian journalist and paleontologist Alberto Angela recently produced a filmed report on the Insula dei Casti Amanti excavations, which will be broadcast on Italian television on Saturday, October 26.

Excavated altar in the House of Phaedra (2024). Image courtesy of Pompeii Archaeological Park.

Gabriel Zuchtriegel, director of the archaeological park, said of the discovery and how Pompeii archaeologists shared their findings through their platform. online platform— is key to public understanding of archaeology: “If the construction of the subway or road is delayed by archaeological finds, visiting Pompeii and observing the work of archaeologists and restorers can help us understand why it is worth documenting and preserving. “There are traces of the generations that lived before us.”

He described the discovery as an example of the “virtuous circle,” which he called “circular archaeology” that includes “preservation, research, management and accessibility.”