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The remains of the resort town of Herculaneum were discovered before Pompeii but were harder to excavate since the city was covered by volcanic mud. Fortunately, this also meant that every aspect was better preserved. This villa was one of the first to be explored, housing art treasures now in the Museo Archeologico (see Museo Archeologico Nazionale). The papyrus scrolls that give it its name are in the National Library.

The name derives from the sculptured group of stags being attacked by dogs that was found here. Other sculptures include a Satyr with Wineskin and a Drunken Hercules.

This house takes its name from its mosaic floor of black-and-white geometric patterns. Gardens and rooms with views of the sea must have made it a lovely place to relax.

This building provides a wonderfully preserved example of what an ordinary multi-family dwelling was like. Two storeys high, it has a balcony that overhangs the pavement and its walls are composed of wood and reed laths with crude tufa and lime masonry to fill in the frame.

Built in 10 BC, these traditional baths are divided into male and female sections, both decorated with the same seathemed mosaics featuring tritons and fish. At the centre of the complex is an open porticoed area used as a gymnasium.

This is named after the mosaic of the sea god and his nymph-bride that adorns the fountain in the summer dining room at the back of the house. Other fine mosaics can be seen here too.

A kind of “accordion” partition here was devised to separate the atrium from the tablinium , the room of business affairs.

An example of a fast-food outlet of the day. The terracotta amphorae set into the marble counter top would have contained various comestibles. Only wealthy people had facilities to cook food, so most would stop by such a place to eat.

These aristocratic villas are located in what was once the ancient resort of Oplontis. The complex includes gardens, porticoes, private baths, a pool and astounding wall decorations.

Set on the Varano Hill, both villas preserve mosaic floors, gardens, peristyles and frescoes. Villa Arianna is named after a fresco of Ariadne being abandoned by Theseus. Villa San Marco sports a gymnasium, pool and interesting frescoes.