Samnite House, Ancient Roman domus in Herculaneum, Italy.

The Samnite House is one of the oldest homes in Herculaneum, built in the 2nd century BCE. Its entrance portal has two Corinthian columns that once carried a wooden architrave. The fauces keep first-style frescoes imitating polychrome marble, a coffered second-style ceiling and a geometric mosaic floor. The Hellenistic atrium has a marble-clad impluvium, fourth-style walls and an upper zone with Ionic columns between plutei on three sides.

This residence was built in the 2nd century BCE and remained occupied until Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 CE. The volcanic disaster preserved the structure, capturing a moment frozen in time from daily Roman life.

A graffito in Oscan found in the vestibule names the Spunes Lopi family, likely the owners. The entrance fauces carry first-style wall paintings imitating polychrome marble, while the atrium walls are painted in the fourth style. The upper floor, rented out after the earthquake of 62 CE, had its own street entrance and wooden balcony.

The entrance portal with its two Corinthian columns opens onto the fauces and the atrium beyond; the upper floor, rented out after the earthquake of 62 CE, was reached by a separate stair from the street to a wooden balcony. Rooms open around the atrium, with the tablinum on the wall facing the entrance.

The upper floor was rented out after the earthquake of 62 CE and reached by a separate street staircase and wooden balcony, as traces of the steps are still visible from the atrium. A graffito in Oscan found in the vestibule names the Spunes Lopi family as probable owners.