Italy

Villa Boscoreale

Roman villas, Boscoreale (1st century AD)

Location

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Historical Context

About

Villa Boscoreale is a name given to any of several Roman villas discovered in the district of Boscoreale, Italy. They were all buried and preserved by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, along with Pompeii and Herculaneum. The only one visible in situ today is the Villa Regina, the others being reburied soon after their discovery. Although these villas can be classified as "rustic" (villae rusticae) rather than of otium due to their agricultural sections and sometimes lack of the most luxurious amenities, they were often embellished with extremely luxurious decorations such as frescoes, testifying to the wealth of the owners. Among the most important finds are the exquisite frescoes from the Villa of Publius Fannius Synistor and the sumptuous Boscoreale Treasure of the Villa della Pisanella, which is now displayed in several major museums. In Roman times this area, like the whole of Campania, was agricultural despite its proximity to cities including Pompeii, and specialised in wine and olive oil. Information on, and objects from, the villas can also be seen in the nearby Antiquarium di Boscoreale.

Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Temporal Epochs

Historical Timeline

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Later occupation evidence (oil lamp)

3rd–5th centuries AD

Construction of Villa of P. Fannius Synistor

c. 40-30 BC

Vesuvius eruption

79 AD

Villa della Pisanella initial unearthed

1876

Villa della Pisanella 1894 excavations

1894

Villa of P. Fannius Synistor discovery

1900

Metropolitan Museum acquisition

1903

Villa Regina discovery

1977

Metropolitan Roman Gallery feature

2007

Classification

Archaeological Features

Unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site

category

Storage Structures

Storage JarsWarehouses
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Miscellaneous Features

Underground TunnelsBuried Treasure
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Animal Husbandry Features

StablesAnimal Pens
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Public and Civic Structures

Public Baths
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Artistic and Decorative Features

MuralsInscriptions
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Agricultural and Land Use Features

VineyardsGardensOrchards
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Domestic and Habitation Structures

HousesCourtyards
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Environmental and Natural Features

Pollen Cores
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Food Production and Processing Features

WineriesFermentation Vessels
Knowledge Base

Frequently Asked Questions

Reference

Details

Country

Italy

Coordinates

40.76° N, 14.47° E