Villa of the Figured Capitals

Villa of the Figured Capitals

 

Villa of the Figured CapitalsThe Villa of the Figured Capitals or the Villa of the Mosaic Columns derives its name from the amazing mosaic that covers several columns discovered here. Unfortunately, they were taken to the Historical Museum in Naples. The Villa of the Figured Capitals is located behind the bars and shops that stand along the street. In ancient times, thousands of peasants, merchants and ordinary citizens passed along this street. Access to the luxury mansion leads through two entrances (A) and (B) between commercial buildings.

Entrance (A) leads through a long walkway to the open garden (C). Here is a small nympheum (D) (the source where the mythical nymphs, the goddesses of water, lived) and a gazebo on four mosaic columns in whose honor the whole house was named. On the northwestern side of this garden is a wide entrance that gave access to a second open area. A second narrow long corridor led here (B). Here stood the Lararium (E) of the house. It was the altar of the home spirit, patron of the home and family. All guests had to sacrifice to the patron gods of the manor of the mansion at the entrance to the house. Behind the colonnade in the north is the entrance to the main living quarters of the Villa of the Figured Capitals.

 

The columns were completely encrusted with mosaics, floral patterns and small decorative figures. After their discovery, the columns were subsequently removed and can now be seen in the National Archaeological Museum in Naples. In the same room for display in the museum there are also other finds from the villa, including an excellent mosaic of a boxer or a wrestler.

 

Villa of the Figured Capitals  Villa of the Figured Capitals

Villa of the Figured CapitalsDuring the excavations a remarkable example of glassware was found - the “blue vase”. Imitating the shape of an amphora, a two-layer glass vase with a dark blue background and an engraved opaque white layer depicting scenes from the god Dionysus.

The condition of the overal Villa of the Figured Capitals is poor. Most of the building is in a dilapidated form. The Villa of the Figured Capitals is the subject of a research project at the University of San Francisco. The Via Consolare project covers studies of the chronology and the stratigraphic record of the surroundings of the villa, together with the study of Insula or Quarters VII, 6.