This insula (apartment), which has an exceptionally well-preserved decorative programme, represents one of the most important examples of an aristocratic residence of the Hadrianic period (AD 130). The vestibule (A) leads to the kitchen (B), to the staircase (C) giving access to the upper floor and to a vast corridor (D) lit by large windows (medianum), with the other reception rooms in the house opening onto it. A large public hall (E), introduced by two columns, has paintings with architectural motifs; the decorative schemes are replicated on a smaller scale in the reception room (F), where there is also a graffito inscription with the name of Lucceia Primitiva, perhaps the house’s owner. The frescoed ceilings were found during the excavations; they had collapsed onto the floor in the early 4th century AD when the house was destroyed.
Reconstruction drawing of the mosaics
(M.A. Ricciardi)
View of the painted decoration of room F
Detail of the painted decoration of room E
Reconstruction drawing of the decorations on the ceilings
(M.A. Ricciardi)
General view of environment F
Detail of painted decoration, environment F
Marble male head of divinity discovered inside the Insula
Marble female head discovered inside the Insula
Detail of painted decoration, environment F