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The region around the Bay of Naples had been colonized by Greeks as early as the 8th century BC. The city of Neapolis (modern Naples) was founded around 600 BC and did not become a Roman municipality until 89 BC. Like other cities around the bay, it still retained its Greek character after being absorbed into the Roman sphere. The Greek flavor was evident even in the streets where some Romans sported Greek dress rather than the togas worn in Rome.
The Roman conquest of Greece in 146 BC spurred a fascination with the country’s illustrious past as well as the looting of masterpieces of Greek art, which victorious Roman generals brought back to Italy to adorn public and private spaces at home. The reverence for Greece, viewed as the repository of culture, beauty, and wisdom, culminated in the emperor Augustus’ intent to revive during his reign (27 BC – 14 AD) the glories of ancient Athens under the leadership of Pericles in the 5th century BC. In the words of the poet Horace, “Captive Greece took captive her savage conqueror and brought civilization to the rustic Latins.”
Greek influence pervaded the decor of the villas around the Bay of Naples and the houses of the elite in Pompeii and Herculaneum. For their owners, knowledge of Greek culture was a status symbol and mark of refinement that was reflected in the works of art they acquired. A portrait of Homer or reliefs depicting episodes from the Trojan War conveyed their appreciation of Greek history. Busts of the 4th century BC playwright Menander suggested their enthusiasm for Athenian theater; and likenesses of the Greek philosopher Epicurus, who believed that pleasure is inherently good and leads to happiness, attested to their familiarity with his hedonistic teachings.
Dining rooms or triclinia — so called because they contained three couches on which diners reclined while eating — were often painted with scenes from Greek mythology.
Homer, Baiae, 1st century BC – 1st century AD , marble, On Loan from the British Museum, London
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