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.

In 59 CE, during games held in the arena, a notorious riot occurred in the Amphitheatre between Pompeians and Nucerians. As a result of these riots, the Senate of Rome decided to hand Pompeii a 10 year ban on holding gladiatorial games, though Nero…

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.

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…

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.…

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 barracks for the gladiators were quadrangular portico located behind the stage of the Large which 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…

This helmet was found in the storage room at the gymnasium in Pompeii among other pieces of armor. This type of helmet would have been worn by a murmillo, or a type of gladiator identified by their distinctive helmets, a shield, and sword. The name…