Graffito was a common site in Pompeii. This particular example depicts a gladiator, likely a murmillo, with his distinctive helmet and oblong shield. The anonymous artist was careful to create the details on his loincloth and greaves.

The Large Theatre was a huge 5000-seat theatre built in the Greek type and carved into the natural slope of the hill. During the reign of Augustus (27 BCE - 14 CE), the theatre was significantly restored and enlarged according to the Roman style.…

The small theatre a small roofed Odeon used for musical and singing performances as well as for miming, the most popular theatrical genre at the time. The building had a seating capacity of about 1,500.

This vivid mosaic captures actors in a comedy. They wear comedic masks and brilliantly colored clothing as they play music in the street. This mosaic, like others from the Villa of Cicero, is signed by Dioskourides of Samos. It dates to the first…

This mosaic depicts two women consulting a sorceress. All three figures wear theatre masks as they sit around the table. Vases are placed on the table suggesting that the sorceress may be conjuring potions with the help of her young assistant on the…

This mosaic includes two tragic theatre masks surrounded by vines and fruit. It was found in Pompeii's House of the Faun. The imagery likely refers to Dionysus, god of theatre and wine.

This mosaic includes two tragic theatre masks surrounded by vines and fruit. It was found in Pompeii's House of the Faun. The imagery likely refers to Dionysus, god of theatre and wine.