HGW25 Pompeii. Herculaneum Gate West Side. Side entrance to Villa of Diomedes.

Excavated 1771 to 1774. (Eschebach West 25, Kockel Süd 25).

Fontaine = T. H. Fontaine, 1991. Die Villa di Diomede in Pompeji. Baugeschichtliche, typologische und stilistische Untersuchungen, Université de Trier, 1991.

(The Villa di Diomede in Pompeii: A research on its architectural history, its typology and the style of its paintings)

See Opus Universitäts Bibliothek Trier - Villa Diomede by T.H.M. Fontaine including PDFs.

For references to F. la Vega

See Fiorelli G., 1860. Pompeianarum antiquitatum historia, Vol. 1: 1748 - 1818, Naples, Tab. IV, V, VI, pp. 118-133, p. 156-160, p. 276-280.

HGW25 Pompeii. May 2006. Looking west towards side entrance to Villa of Diomedes.

According to Fontaine, this would have been the entrance for the wagons/carts and would have led into the worker’s areas.

HGW25 Pompeii. September 2021. Looking west through square hole in wall, on south side of entrance at HGW25.

The doorway on the right, would lead to the “wagon’s entrance” in the side entrance. Photo courtesy of Klaus Heese.

HGW25 Pompeii. May 2006. Looking west through square hole in wall, on south side of entrance at HGW25.

The doorway on the right, would lead to the “wagon’s entrance” in the side entrance.

HGW25 Pompeii. May 2006. Looking south-west from side entrance doorway.

From PAH 1,1, p.273-4, 29th May 1773: (addendum p.129 and 159 – See transcript below at end of photos.) (No. 73 on the plan by La Vega).

We have entirely evacuated the rustic courtyard, and also some adjacent rooms, and here were found various terracotta vases/pots. A stone mill with its iron shaft. An iron bill-hook missing its handle.

In a corridor that has an entrance from the same courtyard, we have found a human skeleton near to another of a pig or goat/sheep, and a bronze bell with iron clapper (of the bell).

After having freed the said courtyard, we have begun work to the doorway towards the south, to give a convenient entrance to this building.

See Fiorelli G., 1860. Pompeianarum antiquitatum historia, Vol. 1: 1748 - 1818, Naples, 1, p. 273-4, 29th May 1773: and Addendum, p. 129 and p. 159.

HGW25 Pompeii. May 2006. South wall with doorway to corridor leading to lower levels of main dwelling.

HGW25 Pompeii. May 2006. Looking west to area for carts/wagons.

HGW25 Pompeii. May 2006. Looking north to doorway to servants’ quarters, from rear entrance.

According to the plan of La Vega, in the area through this doorway, no.70 on his plan was found during the week of 29th April 1773.

See Fiorelli G., 1860. Pompeianarum antiquitatum historia, Vol. 1: 1748 - 1818, Naples, addendum, p.130 - Relazione delle antichità, che si vanno ritrovando nella masseria del sig. D. Giovanni Milano parsonaro, che si era principiata al di 14 Febbraro 1771.

“No.70. In the same week (week of 29th April 1773) “Straw with some grains of barley were found.”

(See transcript below, addendum, p.130, at end of photos).

HGW25 Pompeii. May 2006. Looking into servants’ quarters, room with lararium.

This doorway would have led into the rooms used by the servants with many finds provenanced by La Vega.

HGW25 Pompeii. September 2015. Looking into servants’ quarters, across the room with lararium.

Photo taken from the same place as above photo, but without the overgrown bushes and trees.

HGW25 Pompeii. September 2015. Looking west across room with lararium niche in south wall.

HGW25 Pompeii. September 2015. Looking west across room towards doorway to servants’ area.

In the background is the supporting arch of the east end of the upper terrace.

HGW25 Pompeii. September 2015.

Looking towards south-east corner and Lararium in south wall, with remains of a painted Fortuna with rudder and cornucopia.

No 67, 68 and 69 on the La Vega plan –

From PAH 1,1, p.272-3, 1st May 1773: (addendum p.129 and 159 – See transcript below at end of photos): (La Vega: 67, 68, 69).

After having worked for many weeks to lift the earth from around the rustic courtyard of the said dwelling, we have entirely freed two rooms near to the said courtyard. Although, these have very ordinary floors and everything poorly arranged, they are not worth mentioning having some ordinary paintings decorated with panels.

These (rooms) would have been used by the servants of the owners, because of the work-tools found used to cultivate the soil, and for cooking, and for the large quantity of ordinary vessels that there were, that is to say water-jugs, pots of many sorts which were well smoked, and caraffes, many of which were found broken.

The entire things found in the indicated rooms were - (see page 273 for the list of the finds, Bronze, Glass, Terracotta)

In the entrance of the courtyard, there was a small room with the usual; and in a small niche of the same room, there was a painted Fortuna, as one could see by the rudder and the horn of plenty. Above this room, there was a partition with burnt straw, of which…. (della quale si son fatti prendere alcuni massi)

HGW25 Pompeii. 1991. Small room in north-west corner south wall.

Lararium niche with a painting of Fortuna with rudder and cornucopia. [Fontaine 7.5] La Vega 70?

HGW25 Pompeii. September 2015. West wall and north-west corner of room with lararium. 

HGW25 Pompeii. September 2015. North wall and north-east corner of room with lararium.

As we have not completely photographed this area, we list the finds below as provenanced by La Vega, but not photographed or in their original position.

No. 35 on the La Vega plan –

From PAH 1,1, p.263, 14th March 1772, (addendum p, 126 and 158– See transcript below at end of photos): (La Vega:35).

In the present week, we have removed a portion of a small house connected with the building, already mentioned outside the Gate of the city. It was divided into two floors, and in the upper, which is the only one which has been excavated, was found along with many shattered terracotta jars, a water-jar (1.05m high) with a quantity of seed inside consumed by time, and seemed to be of millet.

From PAH 1,1, p.263, 21st March 1772, (addendum p, 158 – at end of photos).

Working around the said dwelling outside of the city, lifting soil from above, we have discovered a roof nearly all intact by a part of the site surrounded by a wall, that one could conjecture seemed to be a rustic courtyard of the house, being the lowest floor of all of the rest of the house.

No. 51 on the La Vega plan –

From PAH 1,1, p.265, 11th July 1772.

We have worked to detect the roadway, which was in front of the said dwelling outside the walls of the city, and because of the considerable height of the soil that covered it, we have not yet arrived at its floor.

From PAH 1,1, p.265, 25th July 1772.

We have attempted to detect a small portion of the roadway in front of the dwelling already mentioned, to show the same roadway which deserves some attention, to give a regular entrance to the discovered dwelling; but we have not yet arrived at its ancient floor, being under 7.91m in height of soil covering it.

From PAH 1,1, p.265, 1st August 1772, (addendum p.127 and 158 – see transcript below at end of photos): (La Vega: 51).

Continuing the cut of the soil to arrive at the ancient floor of the said roadway, we have freed a room in relation with the same roadway, and here we have found a quantity of tufa, as had been found gathered in other adjoining rooms together with lime: indications that in this house some renovations were wanted, at the time of its total ruin. 

No.65 on the La Vega plan –

From PAH, week of 18th February 1773, (addendum, p.130 –. See transcript below at end of photos): (La Vega: 65).

We have found nails hung up, set in the wall near the door, and the following.

A glass bottle with a handle.  A cup of thin terracotta with two high handles. A terracotta gummula (small jar for water) with a handle.  A broken bronze nail in bronze, and a piece of iron roncillo (billhook?).

No. 71 on the La Vega plan -

From PAH 1,1, p.273, 15th May 1773: (addendum p.130 and 159 – See transcript below at end of photos): (La Vega: 71 and 72).

We have freed the small room where some tentative and small finds were noted in the report of 20th February of the current year, and here we have found the following: Bronze, Iron, Terracotta (see page 273 for list of finds).

No. 72 on the La Vega plan –

From PAH, (addendum, p.131, dated 11th May 1773 – See transcript below at end of photos):

In the same week, a bronze vase/pot was found (above the ash-pits) with a cover and handle, for frying, all cracked.

See Fiorelli G., 1860. Pompeianarum antiquitatum historia, Vol. 1: 1748 - 1818, Naples.

Via dei Sepolcri, Pompeii, May 2006.

Looking north towards steps of entrance HGW24 and just beyond doorway of entrance HGW25.

Pompeii. “Tabella ansata”, early sign-post. April 2019. Photo courtesy of Rick Bauer.

Via dei Sepolcri, Pompeii (north end). April 2019.

Looking towards one of the original entrances to Pompeii on the north side of Villa of Diomedes.

Photo courtesy of Rick Bauer.

Via dei Sepolcri, Pompeii (north end). August 1976.

Looking towards one of the original entrances, at the north side of Villa of Diomedes.

Photo courtesy of Rick Bauer, from Dr George Fay’s slides collection.

Via dei Sepolcri, (north end). Pompeii. 1964.

Area on north side of Villa of Diomedes. Photo by Stanley A. Jashemski. 

Source: The Wilhelmina and Stanley A. Jashemski archive in the University of Maryland Library, Special Collections (See collection page) and made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial License v.4. See Licence and use details.

J64f1831

Via dei Sepolcri, (north end). Pompeii. 1964.

Detail of wall on north side of Villa of Diomedes. Photo by Stanley A. Jashemski.

Source: The Wilhelmina and Stanley A. Jashemski archive in the University of Maryland Library, Special Collections (See collection page) and made available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial License v.4. See Licence and use details.

J64f1832

DAL PIANO DI LA VEGA. (FROM THE PLAN BY LA VEGA).

35 sul piano la Vega

In PAH, addendum, p.126

Relazione delle antichità, che si vanno ritrovando nella masseria del sig. D. Giovanni Milano parsonaro, che si era principiata al di 14 Febbraro 1771.

N.35. A di 12 marzo 1772. In questa stanza, cioè nell’appartamento superiore, si sono trovati vari langelloni di creta rotti, tra li quali ve’ n’era uno solo lesionato alto pal. 4, diam. pal. 1 ½, ed essendovi dentro alcune semenze, si mandò a D. Camillo Paderni pel Real Museo.

In PAH addendum, p.158 - 14 Marzo 1772 – No.35 pianta di La Vega.

Casetta adjacente all’edifizio suddetto, che forse apparteneva al colono del vicino territorio.

In PAH addendum, p.158 - 21 Marzo 1772.

Cortile rustico della cennata casa suburbana, appartenente all’abitazione de’servi e dov’erano la cucina ed altre dipendenze di servizio.

(See Fontaine, room near 7,2 in servants’ quarters)

51 sul piano la Vega

In PAH, addendum, p.127

Relazione delle antichità, che si vanno ritrovando nella masseria del sig. D. Giovanni Milano parsonaro, che si era principiata al di 14 Febbraro 1771.

N.51. A di 30 luglio 1772. Si e trovata una quantità di pietre di tufo.

In PAH addendum, p.158 - 1 Agosto 1772.

Stanza di corrispondenza con la strada, che passa avanti di questa casa; no.51 pianta di La Vega. 

(See Fontaine, room 7,2)

65 sul piano la Vega

In PAH, addendum, p.130:  week of 18th February 1773.

Relazione delle antichità, che si vanno ritrovando nella masseria del sig. D. Giovanni Milano parsonaro, che si era principiata al di 14 Febbraro 1771.

No.65. Nella stessa settimana. Si e trovato appeso a’chiodi, fissati nella muraglia vicino alla porta, quanto siegue. Una bottiglia di vetro ad un manico alta on. 6 ½, diam. nel corpo on. 3, alto il collo on. 1, diam. simile. Una tazza di creta sottilissima con due manichi alta on. 4, diam. alla bocca on. 3, al ventre on. 3 ½, al fondo on. 1 ½, e tiene una canniatura naturale nel fondo. Una gummula pure di creta con un manico, ma ordinaria, di una figura dilungata alta on. 11, diam. nel ventre on. 3 ½, alla bocca on. 1 ½, al piede consimile. Un chiodo rotto di bronzo, ed un pezzo di roncillo di ferro.

(See Fontaine, doorway or east of room 7,8)

67 sul piano la Vega

In PAH, addendum, p.130 –

Relazione delle antichità, che si vanno ritrovando nella masseria del sig. D. Giovanni Milano parsonaro, che si era principiata al di 14 Febbraro 1771.

N.67. A di 29 aprile 1773. Si e trovato una ciotola alta on. 3 ½, diam. on.11. Un vaso a figura di barattolo, diam. on. 8, alt. on. 2 ½. Una tazza alta on. 2 ½ vantaggiate, diam. on. 6, con alcuni ornati attorno al labbro; ed altra tazzetta alta on. 1 ½, diam. on. 3, tutto di creta.

(See Fontaine, south side of room 7,8)

68 sul piano la Vega

In PAH, addendum, p.130 –

Relazione delle antichità, che si vanno ritrovando nella masseria del sig. D. Giovanni Milano parsonaro, che si era principiata al di 14 Febbraro 1771.

N.68. Nella stessa settimana. Si e trovata una cassa di serratura di ferro col chiavistello di bronzo. Una sciva. Un coltello di ferro con manico di osso.

Creta. Una tazza alta on. 2, diam. on. 6. Altro vasetto come tazza alto. on. 2, diam. on. 3 ½. Una lucerna con un luminello alta on. 2, diam. on. 4. Due gummolilli ad un manico, alti on. 6 ½, diam. on. 6. Un vaso come pignatiello ad un manico, alto on. 5, diam. on. 4.

Vetro. Una caraffa quadra di on. 4 per lato, alta on. 6 ½, ad un manico. Tre caraffe, una alta on. 8, altra on. 7, e la terza on. 5 ½, tutte tre col collo lungo. Una tazza senza manichi alta on. 2, diam. on. 3 ½.

(See Fontaine, room 7,9 near doorway?)

69 sul piano la Vega

In PAH, addendum, p.130 –

Relazione delle antichità, che si vanno ritrovando nella masseria del sig. D. Giovanni Milano parsonaro, che si era principiata al di 14 Febbraro 1771.

N.69. Nella stessa settimana. Si e trovato. Due zapponi. Un piccolo zappello. Un rastrello largo pal. 1 on. 1, tutto di ferro.

Bronzo. Una fibbia di diam. on. 2 ½. Una monete di diam. on. 1 vantaggiata. Un vaso tutto crepato diam. on. 15, alla bocca on. 9, alto on. 7.

Creta. Un pignattino ad un manico, alto on. 2 e min. 4. Una tazza a due manichi alta on. 3, diam. on. 4, con un manico rotto. Altra tazza senza manichi alta on. 3, diam. on. 5 ½. Altro vaso senza manichi alto. on. 2, diam. nel labbro on. 4 ½, e nel fondo on. 2. Un gummole ad un manico alto on. 11, di uguale diam. Un bocale ad un manico alto on. 11, diam. on.7; questi sono rotti e di cattiva qualità.

Vetro. Una caraffa con il collo corto alta on. 6, diam. on. 2, con un manico. Altre due caraffe con il collo lungo, alte on. 8.

(See Fontaine, south side of room 7,10)

In PAH addendum, p.159 - 1 maggio 1773 –

Due stanze attorno al suddetto cortile rustico, per uso dei servi addetti alla cultura del giardino; no. 67, 68, 69 pianta di La Vega.

Stanzolino nell’ingresso del detto cortile rustico, con fontana dipinta in una nicchia.

70 sul piano la Vega

In PAH, addendum, p.130 – 29 aprile 1773 -

Relazione delle antichità, che si vanno ritrovando nella masseria del sig. D. Giovanni Milano parsonaro, che si era principiata al di 14 Febbraro 1771.

No.70. Nella stessa settimana. Si e trovata della paglia con alcuni grani di orzo.

(See Fontaine, room 7,3 ?)

71 sul piano la Vega

In PAH, addendum, p.130-1 – 11 m

Maggio 1773 -

Relazione delle antichità, che si vanno ritrovando nella masseria del sig. D. Giovanni Milano parsonaro, che si era principiata al di 14 Febbraro 1771.

No.71. A di 11 maggio 1773. Si e trovato. Tre monete, una diam. on. 1 min. 4, e le altre due diam. min. 4; in una sola pare che vi sia un bue da un lato, e l’altro non si distingue. Due anelli diam. on. 2. Una fibbia larga on. 3; tutto di bronzo.

Ferro. Una zappa.

Creta. Un gummolo ad un manico alto on. 9, diam. al ventre on. 7. Una lucerna ad un luminello lunga on. 5, larga on. 3 ½, alta on. 1 2/3. Un vasetto senza manichi alto on. 4 ½, diam. on. 2. Si sono trivati tre langelloni rotti, e senza cosa alcuna. 

(See Fontaine, room 7,8 in south-west corner?)

72 sul piano la Vega

In PAH, addendum, p.131 – 11 maggio 1773 -

Relazione delle antichità, che si vanno ritrovando nella masseria del sig. D. Giovanni Milano parsonaro, che si era principiata al di 14 Febbraro 1771.

N.72. Nella stessa settimana. Si e trovato un vaso di bronzo (sopra quelle fornacelle), con il coverchio e manico, a figura di tegame, di diam. on. 15, alto on. 4, tutto crepato.

In PAH addendum, p.159 - 15 maggio 1773 – No. 71 e 72 pianta di La Vega.

(See Fontaine, room 7,6 in north-east corner?)

73 sul piano la Vega

From PAH, addendum, p.131 –

Relazione delle antichità, che si vanno ritrovando nella masseria del sig. D. Giovanni Milano parsonaro, che si era principiata al di 14 Febbraro 1771.

N.73. A di 27 maggio 1773. Si e trovato uno scheletro umano senza cos’alcuna; e presso a questo si e trovato uno scheletro di animale quadrupede, che non saprei se fosse pecora o aino, il quale portava una campana di bronzo al collo alta on. 3 ½, il manico occhiato alto on. 1, diam. della campana on. 2 ½, e tiene il battaglio di ferro.

In PAH addendum, p.159 - 29 Maggio 1773 –

Scheletro umano vicino ad altro di pecora o capra in un corridojo della medesima casa; no.73 pianta di La Vega.

(See Fontaine, north side of 7,1, the wagon entrance).

PAH = Fiorelli G., 1860. Pompeianarum antiquitatum historia, Vol. 1: 1748 - 1818, Naples.