Casa di Nettuno e Anfitrite

Welcome to the Casa di Nettuno e Anfitrite, one of the most remarkable and well-preserved domestic structures in the ancient city of Herculaneum. As a scholar of Roman archaeology, I find this house particularly significant…

We stand now at the 'bottega' or shop, which opens directly onto one of the busiest streets of Herculaneum, near the Central Baths. This is a commercially vital position. …

Crossing the threshold, we enter the 'fauces,' the narrow entryway that leads into the 'atrio,' the heart of the Roman house. Immediately on your left, you will notice a small room used as a 'latrina' and a basic kitchen. …

We have reached the 'main event': the summer triclinium or outdoor dining room. Because space was limited, the owners transformed a 'pozzo di luce'—a light well—into a luxurious dining area. …

Opposite the Neptune mosaic is another architectural marvel: the nymphaeum. This is a decorative water feature built into a structure that resembles a small two-story building. …

Adjacent to the atrium, we find the 'tablinum,' which served as the master's office or study. This was the transition point between the public and private spheres of the house. …

Finally, let us look upward at the 'piani superiori.' The Casa di Nettuno e Anfitrite is famous for the preservation of its second floor. From the street, the house looks like an 'assonometrico' section, showing how the living…

Our visit to the House of Neptune and Amphitrite concludes here at the edge of the ancient city wall. We have seen how a modest footprint can hold immense luxury, from the bustling 'thermopolium' to the glittering glass mosaics…