House of the moralist

The House of the Moralist, also known as the House of M. Epidius Hymenaeus, is a fascinating archaeological site located on the Via dell'Abbondanza in the ancient city of Pompeii. This historical house consists of two connected properties that belonged to two prominent wine merchants, T. Arrius Politics and M. Epidius Hymenaeus. The main entrance to the house is situated on the north side of the Via dell'Abbondanza and leads into a hallway adorned with a bench on its west side. This entryway was a new addition to the combined properties, as the entrance to the smaller house was still in use while the entrance to the larger house had been blocked off during the consolidation of the properties.

Upon entering the house, visitors are greeted by a hallway decorated with a red lower area below a white upper area. The passage leads to a room that, unfortunately, is in a dilapidated state and has lost much of its original decoration. To the east of this room, one can find the kitchen, latrine, and various cubicles and storage rooms. Moving north from the entrance hall, visitors will discover a formal triclinium and a garden area beyond. The triclinium is adorned in the third style with alternating panels of red and black, featuring vignettes separated by columns and garlands. In the center of the triclinium, a marble table stands as a testament to the opulence of the house.

To the east of the atrium lies a small central courtyard covered on two sides, with columns made of brick supporting the porch. While much of the courtyard's fresco decoration has not survived the test of time, there are remnants of plaster that hint at the former grandeur of the space. A door on the east side of the courtyard leads to a passage and the eastern part of the property, while an oecus on the north side retains a significant portion of its original decoration. The oecus is a room typically used for dining or entertaining guests, and its well-preserved decorations provide valuable insights into the artistic tastes of the inhabitants of the House of the Moralist.

Overall, the House of the Moralist offers visitors a glimpse into the daily life and architectural splendor of Pompeii during the Roman era. From its intricate frescoes to its well-preserved triclinium and courtyard, this historical site is a must-see for anyone interested in ancient Roman culture and architecture. So, make sure to add the House of the Moralist to your itinerary when exploring the ruins of Pompeii, as it promises to be a truly enriching and educational experience.