House of Menander, Pompei

The House of Menander is a large villa, built in the Classical Greek style. It is located in the southern half of the city centre, close to the Large Theatre and Stabian Baths. An unusually large property so close to public amenities, it is believed that the owner, who remains a mystery, may have been one of Pompei’s wealthiest residents. It is notable for the large columns in the peristyle, a hallmark of the Doric style of classical architecture.

It is also entirely possible that the owner was a tourist, and the house is a very early version of the modern holiday home. Tourism played a major part in Pompei’s development – the Greek influence on architecture stemmed from Greeks visiting the city from the 6th century, whilst residents of Rome would visit Pompei in summer due to its hot Mediterranean climate.

The house features a number of intricate frescoes, including, in a niche on the peristyle wall, an image of Menander, the Ancient Greek dramatist. He is pictured seated and reading, against a red and yellow background typical of artworks in many wealthy homes in Pompei. A neat slogan, of the type for which Menander was renowned is inscribed, in the atrium by the owner – it simply says ‘welcome, money’.