The House of Vettii (also known as the Domus Vettiorum) was finally unveiled to visitors after two decades of restoration. Initially unearthed during the late 19th century, experts decided to close it in 2002 to have it repaired. The roofing of the home was shored up, and the frescoes, the floors, and the colonnades were restored.
This opulent home was determined to belong to two former slaves who became rich through the wine trade. Aulus Vettius Conviva and Aulus Vettius Restitutus were hypothesized to be brothers, but there is no certainty about that. They could be married for all we know (and there is nothing wrong with that)!
The house showcases how the rich lived in Pompeii and how Roman society operated. The two homeowners did their best to show just how high they rose in the ranks of society through the lavish artworks and frescoes in their living room to their lavish gardens.
“They evidently tried to show their new status also through culture and through Greek mythological paintings, and it’s all about saying, ‘We’ve made it and so we are part of this elite’ of the Roman world.” Pompeii’s director, Gabriel Zuchtriegel shared.
Image credit: Casa Dei Vetti
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