The House of the Sailor occupies an unusual position in the western part of Pompeii, where the ground falls steeply beyond the ancient walls. The residence was first laid out in the late 2nd century BC.
To overcome the sharp difference in level, large semi-subterranean vaulted rooms were constructed and used as storerooms and workspaces. This combination of an elegant residence with an extensive area devoted to economic activity is relatively unusual among Pompeian houses.
The principal rooms were arranged around a large atrium, renovated towards the end of the 1st century BC and decorated with refined black-and-white mosaics. A small private bath suite was also installed during this phase. The TESS database confirms the presence of the bath suite and the numerous mosaic floors distributed throughout the house.
The modern name derives from the mosaic near the entrance, decorated with six ships’ prows inside dockyards. The image has been interpreted as a possible allusion to the owner’s maritime activities, although this identification cannot be regarded as certain.
