Naples Archaeological Museum

This is a MUST SEE if you're planning a visit to Pompeii or Herculaneum. Frescoes, mosaics, household items, statues, larariums, treasures of silver, exquisite jewellery - even surgical instruments. All are here.
It helps put Pompeii and Herculaneum in context as living, working towns of commerce, trade and everyday activities. Human beings going about their lives in the same way we do.



Many Pompeii houses had mosaics similar to this at their front door. Some had the words 'Cave Canem' - simply meaning 'beware of the dog'

A lararium or household shrine to the gods. The alcove usually had a small statue or 'lare' and offerings such as food were placed there as well. It was a daily ritual usually carried out by the Paterfamilia - head of the household.

 

Religious mosaic - Pompeii

 

 

Nile Mosaic from House of the Faun, Pompeii

 

 

 

The spectacular Alexander Mosaic from the House of the Faun, Pompeii

It depicts one of the battles between Alexander the Great and Darius of Persia and was found on 24 October 1831. See someone's elbow bottom right in the shot - that may give an indication of just how huge this mosaic really is.

 

Household silverware 

 

 A lion's head door knocker from Pompeii

It's incredible but even glassware survived the eruption

One of the many beautiful frescoes on display

 This fresco comes from the Villa of Publius Fannius Synistor at Boscoreale.

Boscoreale is another site covered by the Vesuvius eruption in AD79 - but not on the tourist radar

 

Some beautiful gold jewellery (sorry for the blurred image)

A treasure trove of silver from House of the Menander, Pompeii

 

 

There is so much to see in this Museum - not just artefacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum - there are also ancient Roman coins and the Farnese collection of statuary - as well as items from Ancient Egypt. It is an absolute must see when visiting Campania.