Ancient Pompeii mosaic shows Romans used dog warning signs
A 2,000-year-old 'Cave Canem' mosaic was discovered in the House of the Tragic Poet.
A mosaic featuring the Latin phrase 'CAVE CANEM' has been found in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. The phrase translates to 'Beware of the Dog'.
The artwork was discovered during excavations between 1824 and 1825 in the House of the Tragic Poet, located in Regio VI, Insula 8. The mosaic depicts a dog with a spiked collar lunging forward.
The sign was placed at the vestibulum to intimidate trespassers and thieves. It served as a security measure for the residence before the house was buried by the Mount Vesuvius eruption in AD 79.
Roman writer Columella noted that black farmyard dogs could frighten thieves during the day and stay less visible at night. The mosaic also shows a dark dog against a light background.
The House of the Tragic Poet featured high-quality mosaics and frescoes, which suggested a certain social standing. The intricate mosaic sign represented an investment of time and money.
The first-century work Satyricon, attributed to Petronius, includes a scene where a character sees a painted dog and a 'Cave Canem' message at a home entrance.