Stabiae is renowned for the Roman villas found near the ancient city, considered some of the most remarkable examples of Roman architectural and artistic heritage. These villas form the largest concentration of exceptionally well-preserved, grandiose, elite seaside residences known in the Roman world. They were situated on a 50-meter-high headland overlooking the Gulf of Naples, providing breathtaking views and a strategic location.

Discovered in 1749 CE, before the more famous sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum, Stabiae did not become a prominent destination for travelers on the Grand Tour. Unlike Pompeii and Herculaneum, which were continuously excavated and preserved, Stabiae was reburied by 1782 CE, which led to its obscurity for many years.

Many of the artifacts and frescoes excavated from these magnificent villas are now housed in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. These items provide valuable insights into the luxurious lifestyles and artistic achievements of the Roman elite, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Stabiae.

circa

Settlement and Early History
The human settlement at Stabiae emerged as early as the seventh century BCE, thanks to its favorable climate and strategic commercial importance, as vividly demonstrated by materials found in the extensive necropolis discovered in 1957 on the via Madonna delle Grazie, between Gragnano and Santa Maria la Carità. This necropolis, with over 300 tombs containing imported pottery from Corinth, Etruria, Chalcis, and Attica, clearly indicates that the town had significant commercial connections. Covering an area of 15,000 m² (160,000 sq ft), the necropolis was in use from the 7th to the end of the third century BCE, reflecting complex population changes with the arrival of new peoples, such as the Etruscans, who established new contacts.

Oscan Settlement
Stabiae had a small port which, by the sixth century BCE, was already overshadowed by the much larger port at Pompeii. It later became an Oscan settlement, and it appears that the Samnites took over the town in the fifth century BCE.

Samnite Influence
With the arrival of the Samnites, the city experienced a sudden social and economic slowdown in favor of the development of nearby Pompeii, as indicated by the almost total absence of burials. However, by the mid-fourth century BCE, as Samnite influence became more pronounced, Stabiae began a slow recovery, necessitating the construction of two new necropolises, one discovered in 1932 near the Mediaeval Castle, the other in Scanzano. A sanctuary, likely dedicated to Athena, was built in the Privati locality.

Integration into the Nucerian Federation
Stabiae then became part of the Nucerian federation, adopting its political and administrative structure and serving as its military port, although it enjoyed less autonomy than Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Sorrento. In 308 BCE, after a prolonged siege, it was forced to surrender during the Samnite wars against the Romans.

Roman Influence and Role in the Punic Wars
The earliest Roman evidence includes coins from Rome and Ebusus found in the sanctuary of Privati, dating back to the third century BCE, likely brought by merchants. During the Punic Wars, Stabiae supported Rome against the Carthaginians, providing young men for the fleet of Marcus Claudius Marcellus, as noted by Silius Italicus.

The exact location of the early city of Stabiae remains unidentified, but it was most likely a fortified town of some importance. When conflict with the Romans peaked during the Social War (91–88 BCE), the Roman general Sulla did not merely occupy the town on April 30, 89 BCE, but destroyed it. Its location is believed to be bordered by the Scanzano gorge and the San Marco stream, which partly eroded its walls.

circa 50 BCE

Villa San Marco
One of the most expansive villas discovered in Campania spans over 11,000 square meters, although only half has been excavated. Evidence of renovations at the time of the eruption, such as building materials and displaced artifacts, was found, suggesting ongoing upgrades. Despite this, the villa was richly adorned with high-quality frescoes, intricate stucco work, floor mosaics, and wall mosaics, many of which have been meticulously removed and are now housed in prestigious museums around the world, preserving their artistic legacy.

The villa derives its name from a nearby chapel that existed in the 18th century. It was first unearthed during the Bourbon period between 1749 and 1754, after which it was reburied following the removal of its opulent furnishings and well-preserved frescoes. Excavations resumed in 1950 under the direction of Libero d’Orsi and O. Elia from the Archaeological Superintendency, bringing renewed interest and revealing further details about the villa's structure and history.

Part of the villa was constructed on a platform dating back to the 6th century BC, which likely leveled the uneven terrain on the hill. Construction began no later than the reign of Augustus and saw significant expansion with the addition of a garden and swimming pool under Emperor Claudius. The owner's identity remains uncertain but may have been a freedman named Narcissus, based on stamps found on tiles, or the Virtii family, who had nearby tombs, indicating their possible connection to the estate.

The villa features an entrance atrium with a pool, a grand banqueting hall (oecus triclinaris) with panoramic views of the bay, several colonnaded courtyards, numerous small rooms, a kitchen, and two internal gardens. This villa is noteworthy for providing frescoes, sculptures, mosaics, and architectural elements that exhibit styles and themes comparable to those found in Pompeii and Herculaneum, highlighting the cultural and artistic exchanges within the region.

The grand peristyle is surrounded by a long porch with a central pool measuring 36 by 7 meters, culminating in a yet-to-be-explored nymphaeum adorned with frescoes of Neptune, Venus, and athletes. These frescoes, removed by the Bourbons, are now displayed in the Naples museum and the Condé Museum in Chantilly, France. In the peristyle garden, large plane trees once grew, their root cavities preserved and cast in plaster, with their age estimated to be between 75 and 100 years, offering a glimpse into the botanical history of the site.

An even larger second peristyle on the villa's southern side, partially excavated, measures approximately 140 meters long, with arcades supported by spiral columns that collapsed during the 1980 Irpinia earthquake. The ceilings feature intricate scenes of Melpomene and the Apotheosis of Athena. A sundial, discovered during excavations, was placed back in its original location after being found in a deposit, indicating that renovations were ongoing at the time of the eruption.

The villa's baths, situated on a triangular plot, were lavishly decorated with frescoes of large pendulous branches. Access to the baths is through an atrium painted with wrestlers and boxers, leading to an apodyterium, tepidarium, frigidarium, palaestra, and caldarium. The caldarium's pool, accessed by stone steps, measures 7 by 5 meters and is 1.5 meters deep. Excavations revealed a large brick furnace heating a massive bronze boiler, which was removed in 1798 by Lord Hamilton for transport to London, though it was lost when the Colossus was shipwrecked. The caldarium was covered with marble slabs, and ramps connected the baths to the shore, indicating the villa's direct access to maritime routes.

circa 50 BCE

Villa Ariana
Villa Ariana in Stabiae, named for the fresco depicting Dionysus rescuing Ariadne from the island of Dia (a mythological name for Naxos), is particularly renowned for its exquisite frescoes, many of which feature light, winged figures. Among the most remarkable are those found in bedrooms 23 to 26 on Weber's plan, with bedroom 26 boasting especially fine decor that includes 18 outstanding frescoes. These artworks are considered some of the most beautiful examples of Roman frescoes, highlighting the villa's importance in Roman art history.

As the oldest villa d'otium (leisure villa) in Stabiae, Villa Ariana dates back to the second century BCE. Over a span of 150 years, the villa was expanded, showcasing a sophisticated design that maximizes the scenic views along the ridge overlooking the Bay of Naples. The villa covers an area of about 11,000 square meters, though only 2,500 square meters have been excavated. Unfortunately, some of the rooms were lost due to landslides on the slope, a testament to the natural challenges faced by ancient builders.

One of the villa's distinctive features is its private tunnel system, which connects the villa from its location on the ridge to the seashore. In Roman times, the shoreline was likely only 100 to 200 meters away from the base of the hill, although the coastline has since receded, leaving the site further inland. This tunnel system underscores the villa's strategic and luxurious design, offering private and direct access to the sea.

The villa was initially excavated between 1757 and 1762 and was referred to as the "First Complex" to differentiate it from the "Second Complex," which is separated by a narrow alley. Excavations were resumed by Libero d’Orsi in 1950, further unveiling the villa's grandeur. In 2008, archaeologists brought to light the large peristyle, one of the largest of any Roman villa at 370 meters in length, along with new rooms, columns, and windows. These discoveries have significantly enhanced our understanding of Roman architecture and the opulence of leisure villas during this period.

In addition to its artistic and architectural marvels, Villa Ariana provides insights into the daily lives and luxurious lifestyles of the Roman elite. The intricate frescoes, expansive peristyles, and strategic design all contribute to its status as a key site for understanding Roman culture and the leisure pursuits of the wealthy. As excavations continue, Villa Ariana promises to reveal even more about the sophistication and elegance of Roman villa life.

circa 50 BCE

Villa of the Shepherd
(Villa del Pastore)