Archaeologists working in Pompeii’s ancient Amanti Island district have unveiled a unique small residence with vibrant, intricate frescoes that rival even the city’s grander homes. Known as the “Casa di Fedra” after a remarkably preserved fresco depicting the Greek myth of Hippolytus and Phaedra, this discovery offers a fresh perspective on Pompeii’s evolving architectural and cultural landscape in the 1st century AD.
The house, located along Via dell’Abondanza, is striking for its compact layout, omitting traditional features like the atrium, a staple of Roman homes in this era, according to a report by Pompeii Archaeological Park.
The house is compact, but with stylish decorations. (Pompeii – Parco Archeologico)
A “Tiny House” with Lavish Decor
Unlike the majority of homes in Pompeii, the Casa di Fedra lacks an atrium with the typical rainwater-collecting basin, or impluvium, a feature commonly found even in modest Roman houses.
Instead, the residence maximizes its small space with intricate wall decorations, showcasing an array of mythological and botanical themes. These choices may reflect shifting trends in Roman society during the 1st century AD, as societal preferences evolved to accommodate changing economic conditions and social dynamics.
The rooms are adorned with high quality frescoes, some of erotic scene of the gods. (Pompeii – Parco Archeologico)
Unfinished Spaces and Sacred Shrines
Archaeologists have identified that parts of the Casa di Fedra were still under…
