Since 2005 the ‘Pompeii Archaeological Research Project: Porta Stabia’ (PARP:PS) has been uncovering the structural and occupational history of the SE corner of Insula VIII.7 at Pompeii. Through a series of selective excavations, structural analyses, and geophysical surveys, PARP:PS is producing a complete archaeological analysis of the shops, workshops, inns, and houses at a largely forgotten corner of Pompeii that has great potential for enlightening Pompeian and Roman studies. All of these rather modest and non-atrium style habitations fronted onto the via Stabiana, one of the primary streets of the city, just inside one of the busiest gates, the Porta Stabia. The southern zone of the insula was built against the city fortifications, while the western and northern limits adjoined, respectively, the Quadriporticus and the Odeon of the so-called \‘Entertainment District\’.

Through an incorporative and systematic approach to this range of urban spaces, we hope to disentangle some of the complex relationships that existed between private and public urban networks, as well as to contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the roles that non-elites played in the shaping of an ancient city. PARP:PS is jointly directed by Steven Ellis and Gary Devore, and is funded by the Louise Taft Semple Fund through the Department of Classics at the University of Cincinnati.