POMPEI INTRODUCTION, The Roman Domus

Before we start visiting the splendid dwellings found here in Pompeii, let me give you some general information on how the Roman domus were organized and some recurring terms you will encounter.

First of all, you should know that the earthquake of 62 AD had caused great changes in the city. In fact, many rich Romans had chosen to sell off their domus to wealthy freedmen, that is, former slaves, who had become enormously rich through trade and could afford the luxury of owning sumptuous mansions, splendidly decorated with frescoes.

You can discover many details about the style of these works by listening to the corresponding file.

Often, villas came about from the union, in a single property, of several domus, interconnected with the owner's workshops or with rooms used as storerooms. A striking example is the Garden House of Hercules, where no less than three houses were demolished to create a large garden where flowers were cultivated for the creation of perfumes that the landlord traded in.

Now let’s find out what the domus looked like inside....