House of the Faun

The House of the Faun is a domus located in the ancient city of Pompeii, Italy. It is considered one of the largest and most luxurious residences in the city, covering an area of approximately 3000 square meters. It is believed to have belonged to a wealthy man, possibly a member of the Satrii family. The house features two atria and two peristyles, and is divided into a main reception area for clients and guests, and another reserved for the family. Upon entering, visitors would be greeted by a replica of the "dancing faun" statue, located in the center of the impluvium of the main atrium, which gives the house its name. The House of the Faun is renowned for its impressive decorations, including first-style mosaics and paintings. The floors are adorned with mosaics depicting animals such as fish, a cat biting a bird, three doves, and even animals typical of the Nile River such as hippos and crocodiles. However, the most famous masterpiece of the House of the Faun is the Great Mosaic, located in the exedra, a reception room that separates the two peristyles. This mosaic is a copy of a Greek painting by Philoxenus of Eretria in the 4th century BC for the Macedonian king Cassander. It depicts the Battle of Issus, in which the Macedonian army of Alexander the Great faced off against the Persian army of Darius III. The Great Mosaic is estimated to cover about 20 square meters and features approximately 2 million tiles, known for its detail and meticulousness, with up to thirty per square centimeter.