Two Homes: Paquius Proculus and Vetutius Placidus

 This magnificent mosaic floor is in the entryway to the home of Paquius Proculus. Obviously it is a chained dog, a common theme for mosaics in entryways. A sort of "beware of dog" sign of ancient times.

 Paquius' name is found quite regularly in election materials of the era, so he apparently was an influential resident of Pompeii.

Paquius, a baker, was apparently the mayor or magistrate (duumvir juri dicundo) of Pompeii at one point. Paquius' bakery is next door.

 In this house was found this very famous portrait, apparently of Paquius Proculus and his wife though this is in dispute. He is holding a papyrus roll, she is holding wax tablets and a stylus. Another school of thought is that this a portrait of Terentius Nero, a lawyer, and his wife. The truth will likely never be known.

 A close-up of a wall on the left side of the entryway. During excavations in 1925, the Sator-Rotas Square was found etched in the bathroom wall of this home, apparently having been there prior to the 79 AD eruption.

The Sator-Rotas Square is a palindrome of Latin words including SATOR, AREPO, TENT, OPERA, and ROTAS written in a square that can be read in any direction:

SATOR

AREPO

TENET

OPERA

ROTAS

The meaning of these words and this square vary depending on the teller, I'll let your google searches tell the tale.

 During excavation, seven infant skeletons were found on the north side of the peristyle. The eruption claimed the next generation of Pomeiians in this home.

 I have not been able to determine what this building was or what is going on with the enormous metal cover next door...some sort of restoration project, no doubt. In a tavern somewhere in Pompeii was found this inscription: "Guest house. Dining room to let, with three couches and furnishings."

 This is the restaurant/snack bar of Vetutius Placidus located on Via dell'Abbondanza. It has the typical L-shaped counter and this fantastic painting on the back wall depicting Mercury (the god of commerce) and Bacchus (the god of wine). Stairs lead to a cellar. The door on the left leads to a dining room, the door to the right a garden.

Eleven clay jars contained the food for purchase. Behind the counter were found coins totaling approximately two day's income.