Скачать или смотреть House of the Menander: Pompeii

The peristyle courtyard of the House of the Menander in Pompeii is one of the most opulent and well-preserved residences from the Roman era.

The courtyard, or peristyle, is the architectural heart of the house and reflects a classical Roman aesthetic. Surrounded on all sides by a colonnaded portico with fluted Corinthian columns, the space opens onto a meticulously maintained garden. The geometric layout of the hedges, clipped to precise shapes, showcases the Roman emphasis on order, symmetry, and control over nature—values deeply rooted in Roman culture and elite identity.

This garden would have served both practical and symbolic functions. It was a tranquil space for leisure, conversation, and reflection, as well as a visible sign of wealth and cultural sophistication. The open-air design allowed sunlight to flood the inner rooms, illuminating wall paintings and mosaics that adorned the surrounding interiors. Some of these frescoes still survive today, giving insight into Roman artistic tastes and domestic life.

The House of the Menander, named after a fresco of the Greek playwright Menander found within, belonged to a member of the local aristocracy, possibly of senatorial rank. The spacious peristyle, adorned with statues and water features, would have been the backdrop for social gatherings and receptions, reinforcing the status of the owner in the eyes of guests and clients.

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