Nettuno and Anfitrite domus, Roman residential structure in Ercolano, Italy.
The Nettuno and Anfitrite domus is a Roman residential building in Ercolano with rooms spread across two floors. It features a summer dining room with mosaic panels of Neptune and Amphitrite, along with painted walls and various chamber spaces throughout.
The residence was buried under volcanic material during the Mount Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD, which preserved its original structure and decoration. This rapid burial protected the building and its contents from damage and decay.
The house reveals how wealthy Romans displayed their status through fine mosaics and painted walls featuring mythological scenes. Such decoration shows what artistic styles and craftsmanship these households valued and admired.
The visit allows access to multiple rooms at different levels, letting you explore the painted surfaces and mosaics throughout the building. Wear appropriate footwear as the floors are uneven and can be slippery in places.
Carbonized food remains were discovered in storage jars within the house, revealing what this family ate before the eruption struck. These remains offer a rare glimpse into the everyday diet of wealthy Romans.
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