What do we learn from the evidence of the different types of Villa’s in the Vesuvius region?

Within the Vesuvius region and specifically evident within the provincial towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum, we can learn much from evidence regarding the two main different types of Villas that existed in ancient times. These two main types are known as Villa Rustica, and Villa Otium, the differences between these established through the discovery of a wide range of archaeological evidence.

Villa Rustica’s were working farms, and places within the Vesuvius region that were dedicated specifically to the production of particularly agricultural and food groups, evidence of such provides us with information regarding this type of Villa. The production of tradeable items such as wine contributed significantly to the economic life of the towns of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Evidence of large scale wine production can be seen throughout Villas spread across the Vesuvius region, but specifically within the Villa Regina. Discovered in 1977 and carefully excavated over a period of three years, the Villa Regina was revealed to be a small working farm. There was a severe lack of evidence for leisurely items, the lack of comfort contrasting other types of Villas that existed such as the Villa Otium. This reflects the sole purpose of such Villa Rustica’s; to predominantly produce wine, in addition to other agricultural products. Evidence to support this can be reflected through the archaeological retrievals of eighteen dolias embedded into the ground, which collaboratively would have the capacity to hold approximately ten thousand litres of wine. In addition, the marble herm of Bacchus in the lalarium, kitchen vessels, lamps, a carriage, and a pig were found. All are evidence of the Villa Regina being a Villa Rustica, as the artefacts discovered at the sight reflect a lifestyle of hard laborious work within this working farming Villa, providing us with knowledge about such types of Villas found in the Vesuvius region.

Additionally discovered within the Vesuvius region were a different type of Villa known as Villa Otiums, which were houses built with the specific purpose to provide the ultimate leisurely living experience to those who occupied it. The Villa of Papyri is located just outside of Herculaneum overlooking the sea, and exemplifies such types of leisurely houses. Archaeological discoveries reflect the ways in which this Villa Otium provides us with the best example of the luxurious lifestyles these houses provided to those who could afford it. Within the house there was a main peristyle the comparative size of a small forum, a pool the size of the imperial baths in Rome measuring 6.5 meters long by 7 meters wide. There was also