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House of Octavius Quartio, Pompeii

Location: Regio II

Insula 2

The House of Octavius Quartio, also commonly referred to as the House of Loreius Tiburtinus, is one of the most expansive and well-preserved domestic structures in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. Located in Regio II, Insula 2 (specifically at II.2.2), it occupies nearly an entire city block, or insula, bounded on one side by the bustling Via dell'Abbondanza and on the other by the outer wall of the Large Palaestra near the Amphitheater. This prime location on the eastern side of Pompeii placed it in a vibrant, urban area close to public entertainment venues, reflecting the status of its inhabitants. The house was buried under volcanic ash during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE, preserving its features remarkably well, and it underwent significant renovations after the earthquake of 62 CE, which transformed it into a luxurious villa-like residence within the city.
The name "House of Loreius Tiburtinus" stems from early interpretations of electoral slogans painted on its exterior walls, which promoted a candidate of that name. However, a bronze seal discovered near the kitchen stove during excavations revealed the true last owner as D. Octavius Quartio (sometimes spelled Quartius or Quartio), a man of evident wealth and cultural sophistication. This seal, along with the house's elaborate design, suggests Octavius Quartio was likely a prosperous merchant or landowner who invested heavily in aesthetic and recreational elements.

Excavation History

Excavation of the house began in earnest between 1916 and 1921 under the direction of Vittorio Spinazzola, the Pompeii superintendent at the time, who focused on uncovering the structures along Via dell'Abbondanza. Further digs occurred in 1933–1935, revealing more of the garden and interior details, with additional work in 1971 and 1973 to fully expose linked areas like II.2.5. These efforts uncovered not just the architecture but also casts of wooden elements, such as the grand entrance portal, providing insights into Roman construction techniques. The site's preservation has made it a key example of post-earthquake Pompeian rebuilding, blending urban townhouse functionality with villa-style luxury.

Architectural Layout and Key Rooms

The house evolved in two main construction phases: an earlier Samnite-era section centered on a Tuscan-style atrium, and a later imperial-age expansion incorporating a peristyle and extensive gardens. Entering from Via dell'Abbondanza, the fauces (entrance corridor) is flanked by two shops that were originally part of the house but later converted for commercial use, possibly rented out by the owner. This leads into a spacious atrium, the heart of the home, featuring an impluvium (rainwater basin) surrounded by numerous cubicula (bedrooms) arranged around its perimeter. The atrium's design emphasizes symmetry and light, with the impluvium collecting water for household use while allowing natural illumination.
Beyond the atrium, the layout opens into a three-sided colonnaded viridarium (small garden area), which serves as a transition to the larger outdoor spaces. Notable interior rooms include a triclinium (dining room) adorned with double friezes depicting the life of Hercules on the upper level and scenes from Homer's Iliad below, showcasing epic themes that highlight the owner's literary interests. Another highlight is the summer biclinium (outdoor dining area) with frescoes of Narcissus and the tragic myth of Pyramus and Thisbe, adding romantic and mythological depth. The house also features a kitchen with the aforementioned stove, storage areas, and service quarters, indicating a self-sufficient household with slaves or servants.

The Expansive Garden and Water Features

The standout feature of the House of Octavius Quartio is its vast garden, which occupies much of the property and emulates the grandeur of a rural villa rather than a typical urban peristyle. Extending southward from a raised terrace, the garden includes pergolas, sculptures, and an intricate system of water channels, fountains, and pools that create a serene, almost theatrical landscape.
Two perpendicular euripi (narrow canals) form a T-shape, with the longer one possibly designed to simulate the River Nile, complete with miniature bridges and decorative elements like statues of Egyptian-inspired figures. Water from these channels could be flooded for effect, and in the dining area, plates of food may have been floated to guests, adding an element of novelty and luxury.
A small temple-like structure and open gallery with pergolas provide shaded areas for relaxation, while the overall design incorporates mythological sculptures and paintings signed by the artist Lucius—the only known painter's signature in Pompeii. This garden not only served practical purposes like growing herbs or fruits but also as a status symbol, blending Roman engineering with exotic influences.

Artistic and Cultural Significance

The house is renowned for its frescoes and mosaics, which blend Second and Third Style Pompeian art with narrative depth. Themes from Greek mythology and literature, such as the Iliad episodes in the triclinium, suggest the owner valued education and culture, possibly hosting intellectual gatherings.
The integration of water features with art creates a multisensory experience, emblematic of Roman elite lifestyles. Structurally, the domus has been studied for damage from earthquakes and eruptions, revealing insights into ancient masonry and conservation challenges. Overall, the House of Octavius Quartio exemplifies the fusion of urban practicality, post-disaster innovation, and opulent leisure in first-century Pompeii, offering a window into the daily life and aspirations of its Roman inhabitants.

The well-preserved frescoes of the House of Octavia Quarto. On the left is a legend about Narcissus, and on the right is Pyram's suicide.