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House of the Deer (Casa del Cervi) (Herculaneum)

A house with a deer is one of the most luxurious houses in ancient Herculaneum. The name of the house was due to one of the sculptures that stood in the home park. Interestingly, we know the name of the owner of this house. This was done after the discovery of a bread cake with the seal of a certain Seler, a former slave of Granius Veria. Shortly before the death of Herculaneum, Celer was released by his master with all the rights of a free citizen.

The house with the deer was built during the reign of Emperor Claudius and in its layout is very different from the rest of the mansions of Herculaneum. Firstly, the entrance hall or atrium is not the center of the building. Instead, the entire layout focuses on the inner garden or pergola on the south side of the mansion. It was from here that a beautiful view of the Gulf of Naples opened. The owner of the house at the time of building his house was apparently an elderly man. He did not have to prove his wealth or inspire respect with beautiful frescoes. Most likely he was happy with simple things and liked to spend his time with sea views for a long time.

In ancient time there was a perfect view at the Gulf of Naples