VESTIBULUM

As you turn from the Via di Ostian to enter the HOUSE OF THE JEWELS, you first come to the VESTIBULUM. You stand in the doorway with the light behind you and present your TABULAE CERATAE with Cornelius' seal. As the IANITOR takes the tablet, he says, "Please have a seat on the benches while I confirm this with Cornelius." Once he closes the door, you begin to glance around. The impressive size of the entrance signifies the wealth of the owner of this domus, which has been in the Cornelii family beginnings of Roman control of Campania. Tired from the walk down the Via di Ostian, you take a seat on one of the large benches that line the walls of the VESTIBULUM. From the quantity of seating, you see that Cornelius' patronage continues to thrive after the earthquake. From your seat, you can still hear the noise from the street and the shops that now line the front of the house. Thinking back, you remember that there were no shops before the earthquake. However, this does not surprise you because everything has changed since the earthquake. Now business is more important and shops are appearing in many large houses. Looking around you see that the paintings on the walls are fresh and in the current style. You assume that the effects of the earthquake must have destroyed the previous decoration that covered the Nocera tufa blocks. As you glance down at your feet to check the cleanliness of your sandals, you notice the beginnings of a MOSAIC that appears to extend into the FAUCES. Not wanting to appear too anxious, you decide to take a better look at it once you are admitted into the house. Just as you're beginning to wonder if the IANITOR has forgotten that you're here, he reappears at the door and grants you entrance.