This DOMUS (city house) is based on the House of the Bicentenary (so named because of the year of its modern rediscovery) in Herculaneum, buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in A.D. 79. Letters and other documents and evidence in the house have told us a lot about the people who lived there, and over time the occupants will all make their voices heard. Artistic license has taken place, but the foundation is their real lives.

This view of the house is facing south from a public portico across the town's "Main" street (DECUMANUS MAXIMUS). To the left and right of the central door are storefronts, including a tavern (CAUPONA-- not to be confused with a greasy-spoon POPINA) and a weaver's shop to the right. Above are the balconies of the apartments belonging to the shops. Apartments, shops and all are part of one INSULA, the property belonging to the owner of the main house.

In the early evening the streets would be busy with deliveries, and although the bustle often continues until dawn, this is a dark and quiet hour of the night. Interesting events are happening indoors. You may take a simple (no-frames, no-frills) tour of the house (please note this uses some very simplified renderings) or enter the frames/javascript version (you can also reach the House of the Mosaic Atrium from this link: facing the front door, turn left, take your first right, continue past the Palaestra, and you're there).

Return to Main Page

This site created by Logomancy