Paintings from antiquity rarely survive, but thanks to the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and the preservation of Pompeii and Herculaneum, we can see what the Romans saw.
c. 200 B.C.E. - 79 C.E.
videos + essays
We're adding new content all the time!
Roman wall painting styles
Mount Vesuvius buried Pompeii two millennia ago—creating a time capsule of the evolution of Roman painting.
Still Life with Peaches
Hospitality was key in ancient Rome, and this wall painting shows the gifts that guests may have received.
Dionysiac frieze, Villa of Mysteries, Pompeii
Standing outside of the state religion, mystery cults are an intriguing puzzle. Does art hold the answer?
Painted Garden, Villa of Livia
Step into a stunning painted garden that gives insight into the flora and fauna of ancient Rome.
Pompeii: House of the Vettii
Buried by a volcanic eruption two thousand years ago, this Roman house was the epitome of wealth and style.
Browse Smarthistory images for teaching & learning!
