Round table discussion forum 1 (History / activity at the site - economic, social and political) (2025-26)

Villa Dei Papiri

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 10:09:42 GMT

by Ehlana Davison.

Herculaneum – modern Ercolano, Napoli, Campania Region, Southern Italy. The Villa Dei Papiri complex is located between Via Rome and Via Mare, closer to Via Mare than not. Sitting on the western foot of Mount Vesuvius, southeast of Napoli.

The waterfront town was the starting point of excavations in Herculaneum and is the spot of the Villa Dei Papyri an extensive complex, not all of which has been discovered but was excavated in the mid to late 18th century and 20th century.

Found 1100 scrolls, fragments of epicurean scrolls, as well as numerous statuary and frescoes. There were presumably people who fled upon the eruption due to the haphazard manner in which Papyri were found.

Supposedly owned by Roman consul and senator Piso, whose daughter married Julius Ceaser and encountered epicurean poet Philodemos. The scrolls, many of which were written by Philodemos, were primarily Greek Epidurean philosophy.

Apparently, none of the Greeks would have had the money to own such a building. Though Piso may or may not have owned the buildings Piso and Philodemos knew each other. Lack of evidence connecting Piso to the Villa or even to Herculaneum. Marcus Octavius or Lucius “” Pontifex were other proposed owners.

Based on the size of the domestic complex, the gardens, the supposed owner not to mention the numerous bronze and marble statuary, frescoes and Papyri it was potentially a hub the upper echelons of society, seeing as it reportedly owned by a senator. Who was perhaps patron to Philodemos, it is likely that the library belonged to the man and perhaps on his death the library came into Piso’s possession.

The Lupanar

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 15:13:55 GMT

by Kayleigh Iacov.

History & Activity:
- The Lupanar was purpose-built as a brothel in the 1st Century CE, and was actively used until the city's destruction.
- It is the only brothel that can be identified with certainty, due to changing definitions and perceptions of what can be constituted as one. The number of which once reached up to 35, however the Lupanar is the only building that has been consistently labelled this way throughout time.
- It is located very centrally, with links to major streets and public areas. This suggests it was a known and regulated activity, part of everyday life.

Economic:
- The Lupanar functioned as a commercial sex venue, generating income for both the owners of the building as well as those who worked there; contributing to the local economy.
- Services were likely priced cheaply to appeal to a wide network of people living, working in or visiting Pompeii, as it was known to be a multicultural place encompassing those from Italy, Greece, Egypt and Syria.
- Graffiti at the site indicates advertisements for services, prices, and names.

Social/Political:
- The Lupanar reflects acceptance of prostitution as part of urban life, while also demonstrating social inequality through the fact that many prostitutes were likely enslaved or of low status.
- While the location of the Lupanar reflects it being a normalised and unapologetic activity, sex workers experienced social stigma and legal incapacity.

House of Menander

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 16:13:14 GMT

by Lexin Jessopp.

Initially built in the 3^rd Century BC, and reached its apex in terms of development by the 1^st Century AD. Political status within the location of the house – Menander’s house takes up a large section of the insula I.10 area, an area known for its habitation by the wealthy and elites of Pompeii. Location truly is one of the ultimate displays of status and power in regards to this house, as its architecture emphasises (see notes on imagery). It’s location shows that the occupant would have mingled with those of the elite classes, and the size of the floor plans also show an abundance of wealth. Evidence of precious goods being stored safely suggests there were ongoing building works at the house – had Vesuvius not erupted there may have been even more to the complex than has survived. Being able to do such expansive work implies the occupant was quite a wealthy and well-received individual socially (why would building works be approved for someone hated?) Carts and farming equipment found within the stable yard of the house allude to either a farm being connected to the site itself, or to the inhabitants. Pompeii was well-known for its grapes and olives, for both wine and oil, and therefore it makes sense for these to be linked to the house.