House I 10,18

Abstract

The walls outside this entrance were decorated with a high red socle with white fields above, on which were painted simple inscriptions in red. The entranceway itself had a simple pavement and remains of black decoration on the walls. Outside the entrance, on either side, are two plastered masonry seats (south seat—h.: 0.45 m; dimensions: 0.4 m × 1.2 m; north seat—h.: 0.5 m; dimensions: 0.37 m × 0.9 m). These seats are thought to have been for waiting clients but this is rather a small house to need such a facility. Such seats were probably used more generally by the householders and passers-by. No finds were recorded here. This front hall had a cocciopesto pavement and traces of wall decoration consisting of a high black socle with simple white fields above, similar to that in the entranceway. It had a cocciopesto impluvium (dimensions: 1.2 m × 0.9 m), inset with fragments of coloured marble. A wooden stairway along the south wall ascended to the east. Underneath was a cupboard (w.: 0.95 m; l.: 3.6 m) with plastered walls and wooden doors. The only finds recorded from this area were ceramic vessels of various types, including one large amphora. This contrasts with the plethora of finds from many other atria and suggests that this area had been abandoned, or at least its use had been restricted, during the last occupancy. According to Elia, this room was probably a ‘cubiculum’, its walls decorated with a low light red socle, and yellow central and upper zones. Parts of the upper zone, however, consisted of only coarse white plaster. No evidence remains of the original pavement. Finds from this room consisted of: an iron padlock, probably from the door; two small ceramic vases; one amphora; and an as of Claudius. In the disturbed volcanic deposit in this room were also found: another similar iron lock; a ceramic vase; and a ceramic basin, both of which may have been used for mixing, possibly in food preparation; a carpenter’s hammer; a bronze ring; and a dupondius of Vespasian (ad 74). The finds assemblage is unlike that commonly found in decorated rooms of this type, and is seemingly much more utilitarian.