Situated in a prominent area near Pompeii’s forum, the house of the tragic poet was renowned for its exquisite mosaics and frescoes.
Despite its relatively modest size compared to other elite residences, the house was richly decorated.
This suggests that its occupants prioritized artistic refinement over sheer grandeur.
At the entrance, the famous Cave Canem mosaic depicts a black dog accompanied by the warning “Beware of the Dog”, greeted visitors.
This detailed mosaic was crafted from thousands of tesserae.
Beyond the entrance, the atrium boasted elaborately painted walls and intricate floor mosaics, including mythological scenes, such as depictions of the Trojan War.
The tablinum has a notable mosaic that portrays a theatrical performance, which was a recurring theme in Roman art.
This piece has inspired the modern name of the house. The careful arrangement of tesserae in the mosaics created a sense of depth and movement.
Also, the peristyle garden at the rear of the house contains a small fountain that was bordered by painted walls that depicted pastoral landscapes.
