municipal offices

The municipal offices in Pompeii are a fascinating point of interest for visitors exploring the ancient city. Located at the southern end of the Forum, these buildings offer a glimpse into the administrative functions of the city before it was tragically buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The three buildings that make up the municipal offices were constructed after the AD62 earthquake, replacing older structures that served a similar purpose.

As you approach the municipal offices from the Forum, you are greeted by a complete facade with narrow spaces between the buildings, each entered through low doors. At the time of the eruption, only the Office of the Duumvirs was fully completed, while the other two buildings lacked both internal and external decoration. The spacious halls within the municipal offices served as the city's administrative center, with two rooms dedicated to the aediles and duumvirs, and a central room used as the council chamber or curia where the decurions met to discuss city matters.

The council chamber within the municipal offices was designed to be the most ornate of the three buildings. It featured an elevated floor, adorned with a cornice and a double series of columns that not only served as decoration but also supported the roof. The rear wall of the chamber housed an apse large enough to accommodate magistrates and their assistants, while a shrine dedicated to the city's penates added a touch of religious significance to the space.

Visitors to the municipal offices can marvel at the architectural details that have survived for centuries, providing a window into the governance and administration of ancient Pompeii. The intricate design of the council chamber, with its elevated floor and decorative columns, showcases the importance placed on civic duties and governance in Roman society. Exploring these historic buildings offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and imagine the bustling activity that once filled the halls of the city's administrative center.