Yesterday, Tuesday, I gave a talk for the Classics Department at UVa on the research that I completed for my M.A., The Pleasure of Water: The Nymphaea of Pompeii.

I discussed the etymology of the word ‘nymphaeum’ in Greek and Latin, in order to reach a definition of the domestic nymphaea at Pompeii. I then presented some literary evidence of the Romans’ fondness for water, whether it be auditory, visual, or tactile (especially in the letters of Pliny the Younger). I finished my talk with my findings about the placement of the nymphaea within the Pompeian properties, along with their views (e.g., entrance, natural vista, etc.).Edicola-type nymphaeum, Casa dell’Orso (7.2.45)