House of the Labyrinth

The House of the Labyrinth in Pompeii was built in the late 2nd century BC. Originally designed as a double-atrium and peristyle residence, it suffered severe damage during the Sullan siege of 89 BC. Later, when acquired by the influential Sextilii family, the domus underwent significant remodeling, followed over time by modifications and expansions that included the addition of a small thermal sector and a bakery to the original core. The main atrium, of a monumental character, stands out for its four Corinthian-Italic columns. However, the most noble sector of the domus is found in the rooms that open to the north side of the grand peristyle. Among them, an imposing Corinthian oecus (reception hall) with 10 columns and frescoes in the II style stands out. Two pairs of finely decorated cubicula surround this space, one of which features a magnificent mosaic with the central representation of the struggle between Theseus and the Minotaur, framed by the motif of the labyrinth that gives the house its name.