House of the surgeon

The House of the Surgeon is a Roman residence with multiple rooms arranged around a central courtyard, constructed with limestone walls built in the opus quadratum style. The structure includes four bedrooms, a study with folding wooden doors, and two dining rooms following typical Roman domestic organization.

This villa was built during Roman times and occupied for centuries before Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD. The volcanic ash and pumice sealed and preserved the entire structure, allowing archaeologists to study how people actually lived in ancient Pompeii.

The discovery of medical tools in this house suggests a doctor once lived here, showing how educated professionals were housed in Roman Pompeii. This reveals how people valued healing knowledge and technical skills in their daily community life.

The rooms are open to view and display their original layout, making it easy to understand how Romans organized their homes. Visiting early or late in the afternoon allows you to see details more clearly and experience the space without crowds.

Excavations in the 1920s uncovered a coin from the third century BC within the house, revealing that the structure was older than originally believed. This discovery shifted understanding of when the building was first constructed and showed the walls had been modified over time.

Location: Pompei

Part of: Pompeii Regio VI Insula 1, Pompeii

Address: Scavi archeologici di Pompei - Regio VI - Insula 1 - 10

Website: http://pompeiisites.org/Sezione.jsp?titolo=Casa+del+Chirurgo+(VI+1%2C9.10)&idSezione=85

GPS coordinates: 40.75162,14.48186

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:47