House of Loreius Tiburtinus, Pompei

The House of Loreius Tiburtinus is found on the via dell’ Abbondanza, or street of abundance. The main thoroughfare running across the southern half of the city, it was surrounded by large houses owned by apparently wealthy landlords. This area, close to the Palaestra and Amphitheatre, was the prosperous centre of Pompei in its final years. Occupying an entire insula, or block of the city, like many large residences it contained many stores and restaurants around its perimeter.

The name of the house derives from election slogans found daubed on the façade. These were fairly common in Roman times, although the suggestion is that Loreius and Tiburtinus may refer to two separate politicians. Many historians refer to the dwelling as the house of Octavius Quarto, the last known owner. The interior of the building has many of the features found in other grand Roman villas, including an atrium with an impluvium at the centre for collecting rainwater.

The house is perhaps best known for its extensive gardens, complete with a number of ornaments. Behind the summer triclinium, two fountains were discovered. Known as Euripi, these large, decorative water features housed fruit trees and a number of artworks. Two frescoes painted on the upper fountains are the only artworks in all of Pompei to be signed. The paintings of Narcissus, and Pyramus and Thisbe, stand on either side of the fountain, and are signed ‘Lucius pinxit’ – painted by Lucius.