SAMNITE GYMNASIUM - POMPEII

The discovery of the statue of Doriphorus, the symbol of youth and strength and a roman copy of the original of Polycletus, led early archaeologists to define this space with its surrounding colonnades beside the Large Theatre as a gymnasium (palestra). However, it was actually the headquarters of a military association of noble Pompeian youths who used to train here for parades and official competitions. The limited space available meant that certain kinds of training probably took place in the adjoining area of the Triangular Forum. The building dates back to the 2nd century B.C. and is enclosed by tuff-stone Doric columns on three sides only as, after the earthquake of 62 A.D., the nearby Temple of Isis was extended into the gymnasium area. Opposite the entrance there are two pedestals, the larger of which most probably housed the statue of Doriphorus. Beside it was a flight of steps which allowed the young athletes to place crowns on the statue. The lower pedestal was used for placing gift.

 

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The residential section of this complex is a particularly luxurious building which, although not exceptionally big, boasts the largest garden in Pompeii. The garden has recently been restored and planted with the species of three which are thought to have originally been grown in it. The house has a large atrium with numerous bed chambers (cubicula) arranged all round it and its impluvium is surrounded by a low masonry flower bed. The cubiculum which is reached by turning left from the entrance hall contains a stove for baking terra-cotta pots. A bronze seal found near the stove suggests the house belonged to a certain D. Octavius Quartius, whilst until recently the ... continue

(Apic. 3, 7) Ingredients:

• 1/2 honey melon
• 1/2 water melon
• 500 ml Passum
• a little bit of honey (or Passum)
• 1 tblsp minced parsley
• 1/2 tblsp freshly ground pepper
• a little bit of Liquamen, or a dash of salt
• pennyroyal
• vinegar, if wanted

Instructions:
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Peel, stone and dice the melons. Then cook it in a pan together with spices and herbs until done.

Love was a common topic of conversation in Pompeii. Feelings, passions, poetic love, sex, homosexuality, prostitution and so forth were all part of daily life and not a source of prejudice. The concept of “obscenity” seems to have been unknown. Love and sex were considered earthly practices of a man’s life that were encouraged by the benevolence of Venus. The thousands of examples of graffiti found on the town’s walls are unequivocal proof of what the people of Pompeii thought about love and sex.