Located on the Via dell'Abbondanza, a bustling street in Pompeii, this house holds a prime position for both the nearby palaestra and amphitheater. In fact, the section of Via dell'Abbondanza where the house stands was closed off to cart traffic in ancient times, emphasizing its significance.
Interestingly, the naming of this house was based on electoral graffiti found on its outer façade. Some of these graffiti urged people to vote for "Loreius," while others advocated for "Tiburtinus." However, it was later discovered that the true owner of the house was a man named Octavius Quartio, as his bronze seal was found during excavation. So, some historians prefer to refer to this house as the House of Octavius Quartio.
Excavations of the House of Loreius Tiburtinus took place between 1916 and 1921, led by the renowned Pompeii superintendent Vittorio Spinazzola. Further archaeological campaigns were conducted in the 1930s, and the last excavation in 1971 was supervised by Alfonso De Francisci.
The house itself is a combination of two original structures that were built during the Samnite Period around the 3rd century BCE. Before the earthquake of 62 AD, the domus covered an entire insula and boasted two atriums and two entrances. However, after the earthquake, part of the house was sold to another owner and became independent.
It is believed that following the earthquake, the house underwent further expansion. A magnificent arcaded terrace, or loggia, was added, along with a vast garden, enlarging the total area to approximately 1,800 square meters. Art historian John R. Clarke suggests that this expanded garden space may have been used for commercial purposes, similar to the neighboring Praedia of Julia Felix.
The exterior walls of the house feature opus incertum, a construction technique using stone rubble embedded in concrete, along with ashlar piers. The easternmost corner of the complex, however, was constructed using opus vittatum mixtum, which combines brick and stone blocks.
As you enter the house, you will step into the fauces, the entrance leading to a rectangular atrium. In the center of the atrium, you will notice an impluvium, a basin used to collect rainwater through a hole in the roof. Originally serving a practical purpose, the impluvium was later transformed into a fountain surrounded by lush plants.
Moving towards the back of the atrium, you will find the tablinum, a room that has been replaced with a small columned pseudo-peristyle. The columns are painted in red and white, creating a visually striking effect. Despite the passage of time, you can still see remnants of the Fourth style of painting on the walls. Black panels separated by yellow columns rest above a red dado.
Although the house suffered some damage before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD and during Allied bombing raids in 1943 during World War II, its unique features and vibrant history continue to captivate visitors.
Now, let's move on to our next stop, the grand Amphitheatre of Pompeii!
