Tomb of Lucius Barbidius Communis and Pithia Rufilla, Acris, Aulus Dentatius Fortunatus, Aulus Dentatius Felix, Aulo Dentatio A. L. Celso, Pompeia Aucta, L. Barbidio Vitali, Vitalis, Ianuarius

Introduction: The Significance of the Tomb of Lucius Barbidius Communis

Located within the evocative Porta Nocera Necropolis, just outside the ancient city walls of Pompeii, the Tomb of Lucius Barbidius Communis stands as a testament to Roman funerary practices and societal structures in the 1st century CE. Commemorating Lucius Barbidius Communis—a freedman and magistrate—and his extended family, this tomb provides profound insights into the lives, customs, and aspirations of Pompeii’s inhabitants. As part of one of the site’s most significant burial grounds, the Porta Nocera Necropolis typifies Roman legal requirements for burials outside city limits and showcases an array of funerary monuments, inscriptions, and ritual spaces that shed light on ancient attitudes toward death, memory, and social mobility.

For visitors, the tomb’s historical, architectural, and social importance is matched by practical considerations, including opening hours, ticketing, accessibility, and the availability of guided tours. The necropolis is easily reached from Pompeii’s main entrances, and well-maintained paths offer an immersive experience—though comfortable footwear is recommended due to some uneven ground.

Whether you are a history enthusiast, archaeology lover, or traveler curious about Roman heritage, the Tomb of Lucius Barbidius Communis provides a window into the complex social fabric of ancient Pompeii. For planning and updates, consult the Pompeii Archaeological Park website, Pompeii in Pictures, and Rome Art Lover.

Location and Access

Where to Find the Tomb

The Tomb of Lucius Barbidius Communis and associated burials—including Pithia Rufilla, Acris, Aulus Dentatius Fortunatus, Pompeia Aucta, and others—are located in the Porta Nocera Necropolis, southeast of Pompeii’s ancient city center. The necropolis runs along the Via delle Tombe, lined with a range of tomb types that reflect the city’s diverse social makeup (Pompeii in Pictures).

Getting There

• Entrances: Piazza Esedra and Piazza Anfiteatro gates are the nearest modern access points to the necropolis, each with ticket offices and clear signage (Pompeii Official Site).
• Walking Distance: From park entrances, allow 15–25 minutes on foot to reach the necropolis; the path is generally flat but features ancient paving stones.
• Accessibility: Some areas have gravel or steps; while much of the necropolis is accessible, visitors with mobility issues should plan for uneven surfaces.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours of Operation

• Standard Hours: The Archaeological Park of Pompeii is generally open from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with last entry at 5:30 PM. Seasonal variations and conservation work may affect opening times; always check official updates.
• Necropolis Access: The Porta Nocera Necropolis, including the Tomb of Lucius Barbidius Communis, is open during standard hours unless temporarily closed for maintenance.

Ticket Information

• Purchasing Tickets: Tickets for the entire Pompeii site, including the necropolis, can be bought online via the TicketOne system or at entrance gates.
• Pricing: As of 2025, adult tickets are €18. Reduced rates are available for EU citizens aged 18–25, and children under 18 enter free.
• Visitor Capacity: There is a daily visitor cap and timed entry slots, especially from April to October.

On-Site Facilities and Visitor Services

Guided Tours and Interpretation

• Official Tours: Guided tours that include the necropolis and Tomb of Lucius Barbidius Communis can be booked at park entrances or online (Pompeii Guided Tours). These tours offer expert historical context.
• Self-Guided Visits: Informational panels at major tombs, audio guides, and reputable guidebooks are available for independent exploration.

Amenities and Safety

• Restrooms: Facilities are located at main entrances and scattered throughout the park, though not directly in the necropolis.
• Shade and Water: The necropolis is mostly open-air with minimal shade; bring sun protection and refillable water bottles, as fountains are located throughout the site.
• Bag Policy: Only small bags (max. 30x30x15 cm) are permitted (Pompeii Visitor Rules).
• Conduct: Visitors must not touch or climb on tombs, and should remain on marked paths for preservation and safety.

What to See: The Tombs and Their Features

Tomb 15ES: Lucius Barbidius Communis and Family

• Facade and Inscriptions: The tomb features a brick and travertine facade with a prominent marble inscription in Latin. It records that Lucius Barbidius Communis, a freedman and local magistrate, built the tomb for himself, his wife Pithia Rufilla, and their children (Pompeii Porta Nocera Tombs).
• Columellae: Eleven stone funerary markers (columellae), nine inscribed, commemorate family members and associates, including children (such as Vitalis, age 3, and Ianuarius, age 2), reflecting the inclusion of all family members in burial practices.
• Funerary Architecture: The tomb is part of a larger enclosure, typical of Roman family burial monuments, with an open forecourt for commemorative gatherings and rituals.

Other Features of the Necropolis

• Epitaphs and Social Status: Numerous epitaphs reveal details about the deceased’s social standing and familial ties (Virginia Campbell, 2015).
• Cinerary Urns and Burial Goods: Excavations have discovered urns containing ashes, coins, and ceramics, emblematic of Roman funerary customs (Pompeii Porta Nola Necropolis Project).
• Architectural Diversity: The necropolis features a range of tomb types, from grand altars and exedrae (funerary benches for banquets) to modest columellae, illustrating Pompeii’s complex social hierarchy (Rome Art Lover).

Visitor Experience and Recommendations

When to Visit

• Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds.
• Seasonal Tips: November to March is the off-season, providing a more peaceful experience.

Photography

• Permitted: Non-flash photography for personal use is allowed. For tripods or commercial photography, special permission is required.
• Best Shots: Morning light is ideal for photographing tomb facades and inscriptions.

Itinerary Suggestions

1. Begin at Porta Nocera Gate: Follow Via delle Tombe, noting the diversity of tomb styles.
2. Focus on Tomb 15ES: Study the inscriptions and columellae to understand family and social relationships.
3. Explore Adjacent Tombs: Compare funerary architecture and commemorative practices among neighboring tombs.
4. Pause in the Forecourt: Reflect on the space’s role in ancient ritual and memory.

Accessibility Tips

• Footwear: Sturdy shoes are recommended for navigating uneven surfaces.
• Mobility: Some areas require negotiating steps or gravel; visitors with limited mobility may need assistance.
• Families: The site is suitable for children with supervision, given open tombs and rough terrain.

Nearby Attractions in Pompeii

• Amphitheater: One of the world’s oldest surviving Roman arenas, located a short walk from Porta Nocera.
• House of the Faun: Renowned for its mosaics and architectural grandeur.
• Forum: The civic heart of ancient Pompeii, with extensive ruins of temples, marketplaces, and public buildings.

Conservation and Visitor Impact

Preservation Efforts

Ongoing conservation ensures the necropolis remains accessible and protected, including masonry stabilization, inscription cleaning, and periodic restoration (D’Ambrosio & De Caro, 1983). The tradition of lining roads with cypresses and pines enhances the necropolis’s contemplative atmosphere (Rome Art Lover).

Visitor Responsibility

Help safeguard Pompeii’s heritage by staying on designated paths, avoiding contact with monuments, and reporting any concerns to staff.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are tickets for the Tomb of Lucius Barbidius Communis included in general Pompeii admission?
A: Yes, necropolis access is included with the standard Pompeii ticket.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Yes, official guided tours can be booked at entrances or online and often include the necropolis.

Q: Are there amenities nearby?
A: Restrooms and refreshment options are near the main entrances. Within the necropolis, amenities are limited.

Q: Is the necropolis suitable for visitors with limited mobility?
A: Accessibility is partial; some areas have uneven terrain. Check with the visitor center for assistance options.

Q: Can I take photographs?
A: Non-flash photography for personal use is allowed; tripods and commercial photography require permission.