House of Octavius Quartio, Roman domus in Pompei, Italy
The House of Octavius Quartio is a Roman residence in Pompeii with two water channels arranged in a T-shape in the garden, decorated with columns and fountains. The layout features an atrium with multiple sleeping chambers and a central impluvium surrounded by masonry flowerbeds.
The residence was excavated and revealed between 1916 and 1921 by Vittorio Spinazzola. The owner, Decimus Octavius Quartio, was identified through a bronze seal discovered in one of the sleeping chambers.
The dining rooms display wall paintings showing mythological stories, including scenes of Narcissus at the fountain and the tragic tale of Pyramus and Thisbe. These images reveal the interests and education of the Roman family who lived here.
Access is from the Via dell'Abbondanza, where visitors can first explore the large garden area. Most rooms are easily accessible, though some areas feature uneven ancient surfaces, so comfortable footwear is recommended.
The garden contained a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis with Egyptian decorations, designed to be deliberately flooded through a water system. This construction recreated the annual Nile floods and reflected the exotic interests of this wealthy Roman family.
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