Images

The quadrangular portico located behind the stage of the Large Theatre of Pompeii was originally designed as a space for the audience to stroll in during the intervals of the theatre shows. After the earthquake of 62 CE, the building changed...

The Large Theatre of Pompeii was built in the 2nd century BCE in the Greek type and carved into the natural slope of the hill. During the reign of Augustus, the theatre was significantly restored and enlarged according to the Roman style...

The Temple of Isis in Pompeii dates from the 2nd century BCE and was dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Isis whose cult was widespread throughout the Roman Empire. It was totally rebuilt after the earthquake of 62 CE at the expense of the...

Bread in Pompeii was produced daily in local bakeries. The Bakery (pistrinum) of Popidius Priscus contains four large millstones made from porous lava, traces of a stable, four storage rooms and a large oven which was used for baking the...

The House of Menander in Pompeii owes its name to a painting of the Greek playwright Menander placed in the portico. The house, extending over 2,000 square metres, was owned by Quintus Poppaeus, possibly a relative of Poppea Sabina, the...

The Forum Baths in Pompeii were established in 80 BCE and were the only baths still in use after the earthquake of 62 CE. The walls are beautifully decorated with frescoes of garden scenes, and the vault ceilings are embellished with stucco...

The House of the Prince of Naples in Pompeii is located on the west side of the Vicolo dei Vettii in Regio VI. The atrium of the domus has an impluvium and a marble table with richly carved supports. The walls of all the rooms are decorated...

Azulejos (glazed ceramic tiles) on a building in Lisbon, Portugal. Date of photo unknown.

The Art Nouveau period (c. 1890-1910 CE) saw the facades of Portuguese houses and buildings decorated with the flowing, curved lines of flowers, plants, vines, leaves, insects and animals that were typical of the Art Nouveau movement. This...

The Baroque (c. 1600-1750 CE) and Rococo (c. 1700-1800) movements led to a style of azulejos (glazed ceramic tile) that is unique to Portugal – figuras de convite or invitation figures. These were ornate life-size figures, usually a finely...