Villa of Perseus

The area to the south and east of Ostia was more than a burial place. Along the beach were several villas. These are discussed on a separate page, about the road from Ostia to Pratica di Mare. Throughout the Pianabella farms (villae rusticae) have been located. A luxurious villa (villa suburbana) has been called Villa of Perseus, after a statue found in the ruins, now in the museum of Ostia. Also a large, fourth-century polychrome mosaic with personifications of months was found, now to be seen in the garden of the Insula of the Paintings (I,IV). The villa was built in the early second century AD.

The building has been regarded as an isolated suburban villa with private baths, but recent geophysical research indicates that it was part of an urbanized area to the south of the city wall. It may also have been an independent bath. Presently the ruins are covered with earth and vegetation. The building has not been published.

Plan of the building. From Scrinari-Ricciardi 1996, I, fig. 299.

Photos

The statue of Perseus and Medusa in the museum of Ostia.
Photo: Wikimedia, Sailko.

A polychrome mosaic found in the Villa of Perseus. Second half of the fourth century.
Depicted are two months: April (left) and March (a shepherd). Below is a female bust.
Now in the garden of the Insula dei Dipinti (I,IV). Photo: Klaus Heese.