Regio III is one of the nine administrative districts (regiones) into
which the ancient city of Pompeii was divided by archaeologist Giuseppe
Fiorelli in 1858 for systematic study and navigation. It occupies the
eastern end of the central area of Pompeii, running alongside the
eastern stretch of Via dell'Abbondanza, one of the city's main east-west
thoroughfares. This region is positioned near the eastern city walls and
includes a mix of residential, military-related, and funerary
structures. Compared to more central or western regiones like Regio VII
or VIII, Regio III remains mostly unexcavated, with only portions
explored in the early 20th century. This partial excavation reflects its
focus on residential and artisan workshops, alongside evidence of social
and political activity through wall paintings and graffiti. The area's
archaeological significance lies in its representation of everyday Roman
life, military associations, and the city's defenses, providing insights
into Pompeii's urban expansion during the Republican and Imperial
periods. Excavations here, primarily between 1913 and 1918, uncovered
intricate wall paintings, electoral graffiti, and structures that
highlight the region's involvement in Pompeii's civic and military
spheres.
The region was part of Pompeii's broader urban layout,
developed after the city's founding in the 6th century BC by
Oscan-speaking peoples and its subsequent control by Etruscans,
Samnites, and Romans. By the 3rd century BC, under Samnite influence,
defensive structures like the Nola Gate were built. Pompeii's prosperity
as a trading hub, supported by fertile lands and proximity to the Sarno
River, is evident in Regio III's buildings, which date mostly to the
Republican era (3rd-1st centuries BC) with later Roman modifications.
The entire city, including this region, was buried under 4-6 meters of
ash and pumice during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD,
preserving structures in a frozen state. Modern excavations in Regio III
began sporadically in the 19th century but intensified under Vittorio
Spinazzola in the early 20th century, focusing on Via dell'Abbondanza.
The area suffered damage from Allied bombing in 1943 during World War
II, leading to post-war reconstructions that have sometimes contributed
to later structural issues.
Regio III features a blend of private homes, military facilities, and extramural elements. Below is a detailed enumeration of key sites:
Insula 1
Pacuvius House (3) - It is an almost completely
underground house, of which only the entrance is visible: on the
left pillar is an inscription clearly referring to Pacuvio,
while on the lost plaster was depicted a red anchor, probably in
reference to the activity of the owner, a maritime merchant.
House with tavern of Predicius Cornelius (6) - Probably used also as
a workshop, it is almost entirely buried: partly damaged by a
bomb dropped during the Second World War, it is so named for a
graffiti found on the right entrance pillar.
Insula 2
House of the Trebius Valens (III.2.1): This is a classic example of a Republican-era Roman house, featuring a lobby atrium and peristyle (colonnaded courtyard). Excavated between 1913 and 1915-1918, its facade—partially destroyed in 1943 bombings—once displayed black-painted inscriptions, including electoral programs and amphitheater advertisements, preserved on the eastern side. The rear garden includes a summer triclinium (dining area) with vibrant wall decorations in colored panels under a pergola supported by four columns. Owned by the prominent Trebii family, active before and after Roman conquest, it exemplifies middle-class Pompeian domestic life with spaces for social gatherings and political expression.
Insula 3
Schola Armaturarum Juventutis Pompeianae (III.3.6): Often called the "School of Gladiators" or "Armory School," this is one of Regio III's most iconic structures, located on Via dell'Abbondanza. Excavated by Vittorio Spinazzola in 1915-1916, it was likely the headquarters of a military association for youth training (iuventus) or a depository for gladiatorial arms, built after the 62 AD earthquake on earlier ruins. The facade featured large frescoes of military trophies (weapons and armor), with a wide entrance closed by a lattice wooden wall and triangular pediment. Inside, wooden cabinets lined the walls for storing arms, and rear rooms held artifacts like amphorae. Damaged by a 1943 bomb, rebuilt in the 1950s with reinforced concrete, it collapsed in 2010 due to heavy rain and poor drainage, destroying much of the upper walls and frescoes. Restoration from 2016-2019 involved stabilizing masonry, cleaning frescoes, and adding a protective cover; it reopened for limited visits in January 2019. The site symbolizes Pompeii's conservation challenges and successes, offering insights into gladiatorial culture and Roman military societies.
Insula 4
House of the Moralist (III.4.2-3): Formed by merging two smaller homes, this structure was excavated in 1916-1917. Nearly one-third of the space is a large garden with a summer triclinium for banquets, adorned with frescoes of birds pecking at fruits and berries. The walls feature painted inscriptions outlining behavioral rules for guests, such as avoiding arguments, improper glances, and requiring foot-washing—earning its name. A small shrine dedicated to Diana, marked by a marble statuette, is visible from the triclinium. Likely owned by wine merchants (Marcus Epidius Hymenaeus, Caius Arrius Crescens, and Titus Arrius Polites), as suggested by five electoral posters on the facade, it reflects social norms and commercial ties in Pompeii.
House of the Pinarius Cerialis (B) - It was owned by a gemmarius, that is to say, a carver of stones and gems: in fact, one hundred and sixteen were found inside gems, vitreous pastilles, and cameos. The paintings in a cubicle depicting theater scenes are well made.
Insula 5
Casa di Loreio (2) - It was partially excavated between 1917 and 1919: only the façade is visible, with an entrance centered between two columns and a small window on the left; along the entire facade you can see what is probably the base of a balcony.
Insula 6
House of M. Satrius (2) - It was only partially excavated in 1935 and slightly ruined by a bomb dropped during the second war: this caused the loss of an epigraph. In the house, there are traces of plaster and a covered graffiti praised to Nero.
Insula 7
House of Popidius Metellicus (1) - It was excavated in 1936 and again buried: only the remains of the perimeter walls and the entrance can be observed.
Insula 8
House of Vescinus (2) - It was explored
between 1843 and 1845 and then again in 1905, to be
later buried: note the entrance, made with large blocks
and part of the facade on which it was probably an
electoral sign.
House of Lucius and Animula (4) - Also
called Casa di Perseo Bambino was excavated between 1838
and 1905 and is only partially visible: on the façade
several frescoes have been found such as three naked
satyrs, a man who gathers wine and another that carries
grapes, as well as several electoral inscriptions.
House of Faustinus (6) - It was a house- shop searched in
1844: only a part of it was excavated with very few
stucco residues; on its facade there were probably
electoral inscriptions.
Pelorus house (7) - Explored in
1884 and then between 1903 and 1905, it is partly still
underground: note the entrance that led to the atrium
and a small window on the facade, where there was also
electoral writing.
Nola Gate and City Walls: This eastern gate, excavated in 1813, was
constructed in the Samnite era (3rd century BC) by Vibius Popidius, as
per an Oscan inscription (now in the British Museum). Built with tuff
blocks and a concrete barrel vault, it features a keystone carved with
Minerva's head for protection. Flanked by two bastions to trap
attackers, the walls include a reconstructed 1st-century BC section
using cement, contrasting with original limestone and tuff. It served as
a key entry point on the road to Nola, underscoring Regio III's role in
Pompeii's defenses.
Necropolis of Nola Gate: Located outside the
walls and excavated in 1907-1908 and 1978, this suburban cemetery
features four monumental tombs: two semi-circular exedra (seat-type) and
two aedicula (shrine-type). The best-preserved exedra belongs to
Aesquilia Pollia (died at 22), with a column-topped marble urn built by
her husband. An anonymous exedra was for a priestess of Ceres, marked by
a cista (basket) and spicae (wheat ears). The enclosed tomb of
magistrate Marcus Obellius Firmus contains plaster casts of 15 eruption
victims. Nearby, four Praetorian guards' tombs are inscribed on marble
stelae. This site illustrates Roman burial practices, social status, and
the eruption's human toll.
Regio III's development mirrors Pompeii's evolution from a Samnite
settlement to a Roman colony. The region's eastern location made it a
gateway to nearby cities like Nola, influencing its defensive and
funerary features. Excavations here were part of broader efforts
starting in 1748 under Charles III of Bourbon, but specific work in
Regio III occurred later. Key digs include:
1813: Uncovering of
the Nola Gate and adjacent walls.
1907-1908 and 1978: Exploration of
the Necropolis of Nola Gate.
1913, 1915-1918: House of Trebio
Valente.
1916-1917: House of the Moralist and Schola Armaturarum (led
by Spinazzola, who focused on the facade along Via dell'Abbondanza).
These efforts revealed a region with fewer grand public buildings than
central Pompeii but rich in domestic architecture and military
artifacts. Post-1943 bombing, reconstructions used reinforced concrete,
which has posed conservation challenges. Heavy rainfall in 2010 caused
the collapse of the Schola Armaturarum's upper structure, highlighting
ongoing issues with drainage and maintenance. Restoration projects,
funded by initiatives like the Great Pompeii Project, have stabilized
sites, with the Schola reopening in 2019 after a three-year effort.
Today, parts of Regio III are open to visitors, though some, like the
Schola Armaturarum, are viewable only from the exterior or during guided
tours to protect fragile frescoes.
Regio III has yielded notable artifacts, including frescoes of military trophies at the Schola Armaturarum, garden scenes in the House of the Moralist, and inscriptions revealing political and social life. Electoral graffiti and behavioral precepts highlight community dynamics, while victim casts from the necropolis provide poignant evidence of the 79 AD disaster. The region's unexcavated portions suggest potential for future discoveries, emphasizing the need for ongoing conservation amid climate and tourism pressures. Overall, Regio III offers a window into Pompeii's peripheral urban life, blending domestic tranquility with military readiness and funerary solemnity.