Yes, we have had many famous guests here in the villa. But the most famous of all was Philodémus of Gádara.
What, you don’t know him? He was a highly respected intellectual, a follower of the doctrine of Epicurus. He was born in Palestine, but studied in Athens before moving to Rome. There he was respected by everyone; even Cicero, who did not agree with his ideas, considered him a wise and refined man. They also say that he was close friends with the previous owner of the villa: that is why he lived here for a while. Good for him!
He must have been an amazing guy, Philode’mus. Too bad he died a century ago! I wish I had met him. Rumour has it he worked right here, in these rooms. He must have sat writing on the same table where I fill out the registers… just thinking about it gives me a thrill.
In the library you will find many of his writings: complete works, as well as drafts and notes. It’s so exciting to read Philodemus’ works, with all the corrections and additions that the master himself dictated to his secretary!
Who knows what he would have thought of a philosophy-loving slave girl?
Come on, let’s go inside!