The ‘Pompeii Archaeological Research Project: Porta Stabia’ (PARP:PS) aims to uncover the structural and occupational history of the SE corner of Insula VIII.7, from its earliest origins through to AD 79. Through a series of selective excavations, structural analyses, and geophysical surveys, PARP:PS will produce a complete archaeological analysis and assessment of the shops, workshops, inns, and houses at VIII.7.1-15.

This neighbourhood was selected for intensive investigation because of its unique potential to reveal the developing relationship between public and private space in the Roman city: each of the private buildings were connected to the so-called ‘entertainment district’ – an area comprised of two theatres, a large public colonnaded courtyard, three temples, and a forum. This was the social and cultural centre of Pompeii. The buildings chosen for excavation line one of the major thoroughfares of Pompeii, just inside one of its gates (the Porta Stabia). Even so, no stratigraphic excavations have ever taken place here since they were first cleared of volcanic debris – then left to be consumed by vegetation – just over a century ago.

Starting in 2005, we will explore the sequence of urban developments for this corner of the city. The potential outcomes and results will contribute significantly to several of the recent and continuing archaeological projects in the neighbouring insulae, as well as to others across the city.