House of Apollo, Pompei

The House of Apollo is a good example of an ancient home, probably constructed during the Samnite period, which was developed in later years by the Romans. Believed to be one of Pompei’s oldest buildings, it features a number of well preserved decorations that belong to the fourth style, an artistic method popular in the years before the city was destroyed. These art works mostly depict mythical events, a popular theme during this period. Amongst these works is a depiction of Apollo, Greek god of light and knowledge, and Marsyas, which gives the house its name.

The image of Apollo decorates the walls of an unusual room housed within the garden. Thought to be a cubiculum, a small interior room normally used as a bedroom or study, it features mosaics around its entrance, and a series of mock buildings which resemble the structure of a theatre. The house also features a number of the traditional features associated with Roman villas, including a triclinium, atrium and tablinium. It is not known who owned the House of Apollo, though it is suspected that like many homes in Pompei, it belonged to a wealthy local business figure, such as a trader, rather than a member of the aristocracy.