Publisher's blurb: Villa of the Mysteries is a typical example of a luxurious suburban house containing a farm annex. The house is built on a steep slope facing the sea. An artificial embankment under the home contains the "cryptoporticus," used as a cellar. The main rooms consist of an atrium, "oeci" (type of dining room), house facilities around a peristyle including a tetrastyle atrium with a bathroom, a tablinum and an exedra with semi-circular windows. There is also a courtyard with kitchens, oven and servants' quarters.