Day 16: Pompeii, Part Due (Two in Italian!)

I am two days behind on blogging, so I have posted both day 15 and 16 at the same time. Check out my visit to Postiano underneath this one!

Today, two things really stood out to me during out second visit to Pompeii (see day 10 for first trip). First, I am in awe of the outdoor spaces in some of the ancient homes we have seen. The lovely peristilios or peristyles in these lavish homes were wonderful outdoor spaces to entertain guests. Check out a few of my favorites:

In the home of Octavius Quartio, two long arbor-covered passageways

flank the slender pool and fountain area. Off to opposite side of the fountain,

the home consisted of green spaces where people could create outdoor rooms

or small walking spaces. While it does not have a lot of flowering blooms,

the grape vines resting gently on the lattice-work above created a monochromatic color scheme

that was so peaceful and enjoyable!

The garden peristilio toward the back of the House of Amorini Dorati

gives off a more elegant image. The garden is decorated with large engraved marble reliefs (or slabs)

and the sculpture evokes elements of the natural world.

Again, a beautiful garden entertainment center or retreat.

The second thing about Pompeii that caught my attention was the Villa of the Mysteries. This house is a large rural residence near the outer lying areas of Pompeii. It was a working farm but also contained over 90 rooms! The one room that has caused the most intrigue is the triclinium or dining room. Along the walls of the dining room is a large wall painting depicting a mysterious ritual. Some scholars believe this is a women’s initiation into marriage. Others say that it might be the partial imagery from a cultic ritual. No one knows for sure. Here are some of the images:

See the young woman standing on the left of the painting?

Some people say that she is the women represented

in all of the images, others say she is one of many symbols used for womanhood.

This is the center scene from the wall painting. Part of the fresca was

destroyed during the eruption. This image is supposedly Dionysis, the god of wine and fertility,

and his wife, Ariadne. This missing portion of the wall painting contributes to the mystery of the

room and the potential meaning of the fresca.

This continues to journey or rite of passage of the young girl.

This was the most difficult panel to see with limited access to the room.

Finally, this is said to be the young girl all grown up

and now a mature, respected Roman matron.