Archaeologists have created a detailed 3D virtual reconstruction of a house in Pompeii before the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD.

The house, belonging to wealthy banker Lucius Caecilius Iucundus, contains an atrium with altar and small water pool, and features rooms of rich colour and ornate decoration, some with exquisite portrait paintings from Roman myth. The centre of the house features an internal courtyard of columns, gardens and fountains.

One intriguing aspect of the home’s excavation was the discovery of Iucundus’ business records at the rear of the house. Another fascinating find is the carving of 3 lines of verse into the walls of the dining room where mythical imagery of the goddess Venus is depicted. The carving reads:

“He who loves should live,

He who knows not how to love should die,

And he who obstructs love should die twice.”

The reconstruction is an excellent insight into the home life of a wealthy Pompeiian family. Watch it here:

http://www.sci-news.com/archaeology/house-caecilius-iucundus-pompeii-04248.html

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