House of the Deer, Herculaneum, Roman residential structure in Ercolano, Italy
The House of the Deer is a Roman residential building in Herculaneum with a peristyle surrounding a central garden and multiple rooms strategically arranged around this inner courtyard. The spaces are decorated with wall paintings and house marble sculptures, while a terrace offers views toward the Bay of Naples.
The house was built during Emperor Claudius's reign and belonged to Celer, a freed slave of Quintus Granius Verus, as confirmed by stamped bread discovered inside. It was buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and has since remained a significant record of Roman domestic architecture.
The house displays Roman domestic culture through its marble sculptures and Fourth Style wall paintings that reflect the taste of its wealthy inhabitants. The depictions of deer and hunting dogs in the rooms reveal how owners integrated their passion for nature and hunting themes into their private spaces.
The house is located within the Herculaneum archaeological site and can be visited on established pathways, with most areas reasonably accessible for viewing. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and prepare for temperature variations depending on the season, and bring water for extended exploration.
About 60 decorative panels in the cryptoporticus depict cupids and still life scenes that have been carefully preserved and offer insights into Roman craftsmanship. These painted panels were among the most elaborate decorations in private Roman homes and were rarely found in such abundance at a single location.
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