Archaeological excavations at Oplontis

The Archaeological excavations at Oplontis, locally known as Scavi archeologici di Oplonti, are a hidden gem in the heart of Torre Annunziata, Italy. This site, buried alongside Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Stabiae during the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, offers a fascinating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of ancient Roman aristocracy and the everyday workings of a Roman villa. The excavations have unearthed two main structures: the Villa of Poppaea and the Villa of Lucius Crassius Tertius, both of which are steeped in history and adorned with remarkable frescoes and artifacts.

The History of Oplontis

The first archaeological explorations at Oplontis began in the 18th century under the direction of Francesco La Vega. These early efforts uncovered portions of what is now known as the Villa of Poppaea. However, due to unhealthy conditions and lack of funding, the excavations were abandoned and resumed sporadically over the years. It wasn't until 1964 that systematic excavations brought to light the grandeur of the Villa of Poppaea. In 1974, during the construction of a school, the Villa of Lucius Crassius Tertius was discovered, adding another layer of historical intrigue to the site. Both villas, though not fully excavated, provide a rich tapestry of Roman life and luxury.

The Villa of Poppaea

The Villa of Poppaea, attributed to Poppaea Sabina, the wife of Emperor Nero, is a magnificent example of a Roman villa d'otium—a place of leisure and luxury. This sprawling estate, dating back to the 1st century BC and expanded during the Claudian period, features a complex layout divided into four main areas: north, south, west, and east.

Exploring the Villa of Poppaea

The northern part of the villa boasts a vast garden where marble sculptures and the casts of ancient tree roots have been found. The southern section features another garden surrounded by a colonnade on three sides, where laurel trees have been replanted, echoing the villa's original horticulture.

The western part houses the atrium with a compluvium, which collected rainwater into an impluvium. The decorations in this area are in the Second Style, utilizing the trompe l'oeil technique to create the illusion of architectural elements. The kitchen, with its masonry counter and semi-circular storage spaces, and the triclinium, adorned with a mosaic and frescoes depicting golden columns and still lifes, offer a glimpse into the daily life and opulence of the villa's inhabitants.

The villa also includes a thermal area with a calidarium decorated in the Third Style, featuring the myth of Hercules in the Garden of the Hesperides, and a tepidarium with dark red and black frescoes in the Fourth Style. A notable feature in the western section is a cubicolo with preserved wooden door and window casts, and a small peristyle with grey and black bands and a lararium, a shrine to household gods.

The eastern part of the villa contains two symmetrically placed rooms, one of which was under renovation at the time of the eruption, indicated by incomplete marble flooring. Another room, reserved for guests, is simply painted in white, red, yellow, and black. The villa's highlight is its grand swimming pool, measuring 61 meters in length and 17 meters in width, surrounded by a garden once filled with plane trees, oleanders, and lemon trees.

The Villa of Lucius Crassius Tertius

The Villa of Lucius Crassius Tertius, discovered in 1974, is a rustic villa dating back to the 2nd century BC. Named after a bronze seal found on-site, this villa was likely a working estate, as evidenced by the numerous agricultural tools and storage spaces discovered during excavations. The villa is centered around a peristyle with Doric columns made of grey tuff, surrounded by rooms used for storage and production.

Inside these rooms, archaeologists found various items, including household utensils, leather goods, ceramics, and a large quantity of pomegranates used in tanning. A stone stove with a pot containing pine resin, used for maintaining amphorae, and approximately 400 amphorae themselves, suggest the villa was involved in the production and transport of wine and other agricultural products. Tragically, the villa was occupied during the eruption, as evidenced by the remains of 54 individuals, along with jewelry and coins, now known as the Oplontis Gold.

The upper floor of the villa, which served as the residential area, features rooms decorated in both the Fourth and Second Pompeian Styles. Among the finds from this area is a wooden box containing gold and silver jewelry, 170 coins, and various personal items, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of the villa's inhabitants.

Visiting the Archaeological Excavations at Oplontis

The Archaeological excavations at Oplontis, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, offer a captivating journey through time. Visitors can explore the luxurious Villa of Poppaea, marvel at its frescoes and mosaics, and imagine the daily life of its ancient inhabitants. Although the Villa of Lucius Crassius Tertius is not yet open to the public, its ongoing excavations promise to reveal even more about the rich history of this remarkable site.

In conclusion, the Archaeological excavations at Oplontis provide an unparalleled window into the opulence and everyday life of ancient Rome. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply curious about the past, a visit to Oplontis is a journey through time that you will not soon forget.