Casa del Bicentenario

The Casa del Bicentenario in Ercolano, Italy, is a captivating glimpse into the past, offering visitors a unique journey through Roman history. Buried during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, this ancient Roman house was rediscovered exactly two hundred years after the first discoveries at Herculaneum, giving it its evocative name. The house stands as a testament to the opulence and architectural sophistication of Roman domestic life.

The History of Casa del Bicentenario

Constructed during the Augustan period, the Casa del Bicentenario was undoubtedly the residence of a wealthy aristocratic family. The lavish decorations and intricate design speak volumes about the affluence of its original inhabitants. The house suffered damage during the earthquake of 62 AD, prompting a series of restorations. However, signs of decline were evident as portions of the upper floor were rented out, possibly indicating financial difficulties faced by the family.

The identity of the original owners remains a mystery. Some speculate that it belonged to a member of the Petronii Colatorii family, as suggested by the discovery of wax tablets. Others propose that it was owned by the freedman Marcus Helvius Eroto, based on a seal found on the premises. The house was engulfed by the pyroclastic flows that swept through Herculaneum during the infamous eruption.

Exploring Casa del Bicentenario

Visitors entering the Casa del Bicentenario are greeted by an entrance adorned with a striking checkerboard fresco in red and white. This leads to the Tuscan atrium, the heart of the house, featuring a mosaic floor and a central impluvium. Originally adorned with a marble column supporting a fountain, the atrium is a magnificent example of Roman architectural elegance. The walls are painted in the Fourth Style, showcasing intricate architectural perspectives and rich porphyry red panels.

Surrounding the atrium are three cubicula and two alae. The right ala is particularly noteworthy for its preserved sliding door, which once protected valuable objects. The door's frame is decorated with geometric relief patterns, adding to the allure of the space. At the far end of the atrium lies the tablinum, with its mosaic floor and vibrant frescoes depicting mythological scenes, including Daedalus and Pasiphae, and Mars and Venus with cupids.

The Upper Floor and Peristyle

The Casa del Bicentenario also boasts an upper floor, accessible via a staircase reconstructed during early restorations. Divided into two apartments, one had access from the street and a shop, while the other was reached from the garden. The rooms are separated by opus craticium walls adorned with Fourth Style frescoes. A standout feature is the lararium painting, depicting two agathodaemons approaching an altar with an egg, symbolizing an offering, overseen by dancing Lares.

Behind the tablinum is the peristyle, centered around a garden where remnants of a rose garden were discovered. The peristyle underwent modifications in the first century, including the addition of a cryptoporticus and a dining room. Surrounding the peristyle are additional reception rooms, a kitchen, and a latrine.

Rediscovery and Restoration

The Casa del Bicentenario was first identified during Bourbon-era explorations in the 18th century but was thoroughly excavated between 1937 and 1939 under the guidance of Amedeo Maiuri. The excavation aimed to recover materials and decorations, with restorations conducted according to the standards of the time. The house was opened to the public in 1939 but fell into neglect after World War II, leading to its closure in 1983 due to structural concerns.

Thanks to collaborations between the Packard Foundation, the Herculaneum Conservation Project, and the Archaeological Park of Ercolano, extensive restoration efforts began in 2010. These efforts included stabilizing the structure, waterproofing, and restoring wall paintings. The house was reopened to the public in 2019, allowing visitors to once again marvel at its historical and architectural splendor.

Artifacts and Discoveries

The Casa del Bicentenario has yielded a wealth of artifacts, including wax tablets and a papyrus documenting life in Herculaneum before the eruption. These documents provide insight into legal disputes and the social dynamics of the time. Among the treasures found are a carbonized wooden statuette, a marble bust, a marble statue of Venus, and bronze statuettes of Jupiter, Minerva, and Mercury. These discoveries add depth to our understanding of Roman life and culture.

The Casa del Bicentenario is more than just an archaeological site; it is a window into the past, offering a tangible connection to the lives of those who once walked its halls. Its walls tell stories of opulence, decline, and resilience, making it an essential stop for anyone exploring the ancient wonders of Herculaneum.