House of Labyrinth, Ancient Roman residence in Pompeii, Italy
The House of Labyrinth is an ancient Roman residence in Pompeii featuring two atriums, several bedrooms, a bakery, and private baths arranged across its sprawling floor plan. The building displays Corinthian columns, Second Style paintings, and other architectural elements from the Roman era that were preserved after Vesuvius erupted.
The residence was built in the late 2nd century BC and suffered significant damage during Sulla's siege in 89 BC. The Sextilii family later renovated the building before the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD preserved it.
The central mosaic depicts Theseus fighting the Minotaur and stands as one of the earliest known Roman mosaic artworks found in a private home. This scene held meaning for Roman homeowners as a symbol of courage and wit that they wished to display.
The location is in Regio VI Insula 11 and forms part of the large Pompeii archaeological park, so visitors should plan enough time for exploring. The paths between the various ruins can be uneven and slippery, so sturdy footwear and caution during wet weather are recommended.
The building features a tetrastyle atrium supported by four Corinthian-Italic columns, which represents a less common architectural style for its time. Additionally, it contains a specialized grain-grinding area directly connected to the bakery facilities, showing how the household produced its own supply.
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