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Pompeii is one of the most famous historical sites in the world, but there are many other fascinating places nearby worth visiting. These include the newly opened Archaeological Museum of Stabia and several luxurious villas that were preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE. Exploring these sites can give you a richer understanding of what life was like under the Roman Empire.
The Archaeological Museum of Stabia, which opened in 2020, displays a wide range of ancient Roman artifacts. These include statues, pottery, and frescos, many of which have never been seen by the public. A highlight of the collection is a remarkably well-preserved ceremonial chariot found at a nearby villa. The museum also features artifacts from the pre-Roman period, including funerary and votive objects dating back to the 7th century BCE.
The Villa Ariana is a large seaside villa that includes a bath complex and a palestra (wrestling gym). Inside, you can view several frescos depicting mythological scenes, such as Theseus abandoning Ariadne. Wealthy Romans used villas like this as vacation homes, providing a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of Rome.
The Villa Regina was a vast farmstead. Today, it provides visitors with insight into ancient Roman agriculture. Like a modern farm, the villa had different areas designated for specific tasks, such as crushing grapes and storing wine. The villa also includes a kitchen and a triclinium (dining room).
The Villa Oplontis is another impressive villa complex and is associated with the infamous emperor Nero. It is believed to have been used by his second wife, Poppaea Sabina. The villa is renowned for its beautiful frescos, which have vibrant colors and feature ethereal landscapes and dreamy architecture typical of the Second Style of Pompeian painting.
Bibliography
- Van Allen, Susan. (2021). Buried by Vesuvius, this ancient villa is an overlooked alternative to Pompeii. National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/buried-by-vesuvius-this-ancient-villa-is-overlooked-alternative-to-pompeii
- Villa A, Also Known as Villa Poppaea. Pompeii Sites. https://pompeiisites.org/en/oplontis-en-2/villa-poppaea/
- Villa Ariana. Pompeii Sites. https://pompeiisites.org/en/stabiae-en-2/villa-arianna/
- Villa Regina. Pompeii Sites. https://pompeiisites.org/en/boscoreale-en/villa-regina-boscoreale/
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