House of Cupid and Psyche, Roman residential complex in Ostia Antica, Italy
The House of Cupid and Psyche is a Roman residence in Ostia Antica with multiple rooms decorated with mosaics and wall paintings from the 4th century. The surviving artwork displays mythological scenes and everyday subjects that reflect the craftsmanship of that era.
The house was built in late antiquity and was part of the wealthy residential areas of Ostia, Rome's harbor city. The site illustrates how this region declined as power shifted during the invasions that followed.
The rooms display how wealthy families decorated their homes with mythological artwork to show their education and status. This style of decoration was central to how the Roman upper class lived and presented themselves.
The ruins are displayed in an open park setting where you can walk freely between the rooms and view details from multiple angles. The ground is relatively flat and easy to navigate, though sturdy shoes are advisable as surfaces are uneven.
A marble portrait head of Psyche discovered at the site shows the skilled craftsmanship of Roman sculptors and was preserved for study. This find was among the first clues that the house belonged to an especially wealthy family.
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