The House of the Faun
Built during the Samnite period around 180 BC
Analysis
The House of the Faun was built in 180 BC (Samnite Period), and is one of the largest most lavishly decorated private residences in Pompeii. It was home to many spectacular pieces of art, such as the Alexander Mosaic and is a perfect reflection of the period of time, because of this the house has given great insight and understanding of life in ancient Rome. The house of the faun today remains in reasonably good condition in comparison with other excavated ruins in Pompeii and Herculaneum, although original artefacts have been excavated and some are now on display at the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. The house of the Faun was owned by the Cassius family at the time of the eruption, this can be seen due to election slogans on the walls, and also a named gold ring discovered on the skeleton of a woman found in the Tablinium. The house of the Faun was named after a bronze statuette of a Faun located in the centre of the Impluvium, which has now been replaced with a replica. Fauns, which are spirits of untamed woodland, were often connected to Pan and Greek satyrs by Romans, or followers of the Greek god of wine and agriculture, Dionysus. The sculpture reflects somewhat a high order, and the Cassius family very obviously wanted visitors and guests to be aware they believed in Gods, and that they were religious. The House of the Faun differed from other housing in Pompeii because of the beautiful mosaics and art they had displayed |
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around the Domus, the overall area the house took up (2950m/s) or alternatively one whole insula, that the house had its own private baths - this was very unusual and reflected wealth, it had an incredibly sophisticated building plan especially for the tabernae detailing both rooms, decoration of the front entrance with the word 'Have' meaning welcome mosaicked into the floor, and had almost two of everything a standard domus had such as two peristylliums, two atriums, double the amount of triclinium's etc. The house of the Faun also was an example of the fusion of the italic (Roman) house centred around an atrium and the hellenistic (Greek) style house with a peristyle.
The house of the Faun was a Roman Domus, but on a much larger scale. Because of Mr Cassius's strong hand in politics it is understandable that he would've often had to make business deals and entertain his guests, Domuses tended to be housing for rich people whereas poorer people often lived in insulae. The lavish triclinium in the House of the Faun allowed all guests and business goers to see that the owner of the house owned their own kitchen (culina), while most of the population ate at a local taverni. Eating in one's home was considered a luxurious pastime, and those who did were often highly respected with again is understandable with the masses of people coming and going from the House of the Faun.
Entertainment was also another key aspect of an ancient roman social life for Patricians, so like we can see home owners would usually do up the certain room they intend to entertain guests in, especially the public areas of the house specifically for business to show off they were the ideal family. One aspect that made The House of the Faun stand out again is the fact that they had their own heated baths, this was particularly impressive and indicated a high status and wealth as having water was reserved for only the most influential of people. Having a slave to continuously heat your water signified furthermore power also.
Housing in Pompeii were generally constructed to flaunt social status, the more lavish and detailed your house was, the wealthier the occupants generally were. The House of the Faun is a perfect example of this as we get an insight of how the rich used to live in ancient Pompeii. It is clear that Influential individuals such as Mr Cassius felt it was necessary to show off the family wealth through his home, as the feature artwork, and size in particular would demonstrate so. It was important during this period for social structure that what other individuals thought of you was positive, because people often believed that the richer you are the more opportunity you were granted.
Conclusion
The eruption of Vesuvius was significant because of the preservation that occurred. Without the encasement of the volcanic matter from 79AD the House of the Faun would most probably not exist to this day. With the protection that the volcanic matter offered from the elements and humidity until the excavations, artefacts such as mosaics and statues are still in good condition and we are able to analyse and learn about social class in the ancient times. The House of the Faun in particular is a great example that demonstrates the idea that the better you show off your money, the more influential people thought you were in the ancient times as they had nothing else to base your power off. This Roman Domus also grants us insight into what people's tastes for design were like during this period and how they've evolved over time.
The house of the Faun was a Roman Domus, but on a much larger scale. Because of Mr Cassius's strong hand in politics it is understandable that he would've often had to make business deals and entertain his guests, Domuses tended to be housing for rich people whereas poorer people often lived in insulae. The lavish triclinium in the House of the Faun allowed all guests and business goers to see that the owner of the house owned their own kitchen (culina), while most of the population ate at a local taverni. Eating in one's home was considered a luxurious pastime, and those who did were often highly respected with again is understandable with the masses of people coming and going from the House of the Faun.
Entertainment was also another key aspect of an ancient roman social life for Patricians, so like we can see home owners would usually do up the certain room they intend to entertain guests in, especially the public areas of the house specifically for business to show off they were the ideal family. One aspect that made The House of the Faun stand out again is the fact that they had their own heated baths, this was particularly impressive and indicated a high status and wealth as having water was reserved for only the most influential of people. Having a slave to continuously heat your water signified furthermore power also.
Housing in Pompeii were generally constructed to flaunt social status, the more lavish and detailed your house was, the wealthier the occupants generally were. The House of the Faun is a perfect example of this as we get an insight of how the rich used to live in ancient Pompeii. It is clear that Influential individuals such as Mr Cassius felt it was necessary to show off the family wealth through his home, as the feature artwork, and size in particular would demonstrate so. It was important during this period for social structure that what other individuals thought of you was positive, because people often believed that the richer you are the more opportunity you were granted.
Conclusion
The eruption of Vesuvius was significant because of the preservation that occurred. Without the encasement of the volcanic matter from 79AD the House of the Faun would most probably not exist to this day. With the protection that the volcanic matter offered from the elements and humidity until the excavations, artefacts such as mosaics and statues are still in good condition and we are able to analyse and learn about social class in the ancient times. The House of the Faun in particular is a great example that demonstrates the idea that the better you show off your money, the more influential people thought you were in the ancient times as they had nothing else to base your power off. This Roman Domus also grants us insight into what people's tastes for design were like during this period and how they've evolved over time.