The eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD buried one of the largest and most populated cities in the Vesuvian area, Pompeii. But it did not destroy its history.
Thanks to archaeological excavations and the constant work of archaeologists and experts, the history of Pompeii and its inhabitants has been partly reconstructed.
Even the houses, those most affected by falling ash and lapilli, were excavated and brought to light. Succeeding in reconstructing an essential part of Pompeii, a treasure trove of architectural and cultural knowledge. Giving the opportunity to learn details about urban planning, building engineering and interior decorations of the Roman era.
An important heritage that fascinates and captures the curiosity of so many tourists from all over the world, who decide to visit Pompeii to learn about and see the legacy left by the ancient Romans. And the houses are the greatest testimony to this immense heritage. But how were the ancient Pompeian houses structured?
Most of the houses in the ancient city of Pompeii were built according to one pattern, let’s find out together.
The atrium of Pompeian houses
Typically, in ancient Pompeian houses, the front door led from the entrance to a corridor that led directly into the atrium, a large room that served as a focal point and reception place for guests.
The atrium represented the main focus of domestic life in Pompeian dwellings. It was often covered by an open roof called the “compluvium,” which allowed natural light to enter and rainwater to be collected in a pool below called the “impluvium.” The water collected in the impluvium, thanks to a cistern located below it, was used for all household chores, thus for washing clothes and cooking. A method used until the aqueduct was built in Pompeii, which then brought water to most homes.
Around the atrium revolved a whole series of rooms, such as bedrooms (called cubicula), service rooms and dining rooms ( called triclinium) used for parties and banquets. While infondo to the atrium opened the tablinum, that is, the room used as an office or study by the owner of the house, to accommodate business people.
The peristyle
The most important and wealthy domus also had a peristyle.
That is, a large porticoed garden overlooked by various living rooms, usually adorned with fruit trees and statues with water features.
Every room of the richest and most important domus were adorned with rich decorations and frescoes. Frescoes, wall paintings made with natural pigments, decorated the walls of rooms and often depicted mythological scenes, landscapes, and portraits. These frescoes not only added beauty to the interiors of the houses, but also often had a narrative or symbolic function, telling stories or emphasizing the importance of family and social prestige.
In addition, the most prestigious and noble domus were finely decorated with marble slabs that gave the room a touch of elegance.
Floors, on the other hand, were made with special techniques of varying degrees of value: cocciopesto, terracotta tiles, black-and-white or color mosaics, or marble.
The great Pompeian domus
The largest Roman domus were spacious, airy and hygienic, equipped with baths and latrines. Many of them also had a totally private thermal quarter, in which there were bathing tubs with warm or hot water. They were often divided into patronal quarters, reserved for the owners of the house, and servile quarters, assigned to slaves who worked inside the house.
They also had running water and were heated in the winter by central heating (the hypocausts, complex devices that passed currents of warm air under the floors).
The great Pompeian domus were equipped with every comfort to meet the needs of their occupants, combining beauty and aesthetics, so much so that they could be considered the most comfortable that were built until the 20th century.
Rustic Villas
In contrast, the rustic villa, similar in concept to modern farms, had a simple plan with rooms arranged around a central portico.
And it was distinguished by the presence of the rooms used for production activities and large spaces for storing goods.
But in spite of what people think they were equipped with every convenience, often being larger than the domus. They could have had libraries, reading rooms, and rooms for hot, cold, and lukewarm bathing. Wide porches allowed outdoor walks. And many were surrounded by well-kept parks and gardens.
Among the most important rustic villas found in Pompeii is the Villa of the Mysteries.
In short, all Pompeii houses were designed according to a similar common design for both large domus and smaller houses.
