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Domus of Messalina Terentius - House of the Faun

Salve, I am Pomponia, cheif slave to my mistress Messalina Terentius. I have been with her since she was a baby. She is like my own child, but a petulant spoiled girl she is. Why I can tell you stories... there was this time only last summer in Rome when... Oh here she comes. Well don't just stand there in the door like a sleepy donkey, Come in! Wipe your feet!! And don't forget to sign her guest book, she is so particular about that. Ah Domina you have a most honored and noble guest....

Welcome to my domus, The House of the Faun it is considered by most the most beautiful home in Pompeii. Its name comes from the statue of a dancing faun located in the impulvium. The rooms have mosaic floors which are among the best in the Empire. The most famous mosaic depicts the battle between Alexander the Great and Darius the Persian King. I just love looking at it and wondering if the rumors about Alexander are true.

There is much speculation about my life and my morals, so much so that the writer Suetonius found himself compelled to write a book about me and my life in Rome and here in Pompeii. It has the fanciful title, ‘Quo Vadis Messalina?”

Here is one of the nicer things he had to say about me.

“The famous Roman beauty Messalina Terentius lived In Pompeii for a time at the House of the Faun. Being that it was the most beautiful house in the city she would have no other. Here were given the most lavish banquets replete with rich spectacle and foods from every corner of the Empire. Rare delicacies were cooking in her kitchens at all times and wine was brought from Rome packed in ice from the Alps. Dancers were imported from the capital along with the best poets and musicians."

"Her salon was unmatched even in Rome. Her debauchery rivaled any in the Empire. Slaves across Pompeii gossiped each morning of her conquests of the hearts and of the men she destroyed without a thought. It was even rumored that she had dalliances with her slaves, the most beautiful in town. When asked once why she was so wicked she replied. ‘What is wicked about me? Is it wicked to live like a man and take what I want when I want it? If that is the case then I am indeed the wickedest woman in the world.’”

Well I am flattered to be immortalized by the wit and charm of Suetonius. Such a lamb! If you wish to read more of the book you can find it in my library at the Domus of Messalina Terentius, my home in Rome.

So once again I bid you welcome, come in from the heat and have some wine. My slaves Pomponia and Macro will see to your every need. Now if you will excuse me I must prepare for a banquet I am giving tonight. Oh and of course you are invited as my very special guest. After all, the banquet is in honor of your visit.




Slave, I am Macro. I am my mistress’ personal body slave. She has instructed me to see to all your needs…. what ever you desire is it is my pleasure to provide it for you. Please follow me to your room where a warm bath is ready to sooth your body and fresh clothing of the finest Cathay silks await for you to choose from for tonight’s banquet.

(Click below on Launch Standalone Player to hear my muscians play for you.)

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