Caupona de Fortunatus
2022 © Maxim Tabachnik
Hadrianic-Era Insula StairwellGeometric Mosaic with QuatrefoilsMarine Mosaic with Diver and Sea MonsterMosaic with Elephant and Exotic AnimalsMosaic of the Navicularii of MisenoCaupona de FortunatusMosaic of the Terme dei CisiariiMosaic of Maritime TradersOldest Wall of OstiaOpus Sectile Floor DecorationTriton Mosaic FigureReconstruction of the Thermopolium of Via di Diana

Caupona de FortunatusMosaic inscription

214
This mosaic from the Caupona of Fortunatus in Ostia Antica features a black krater —a vessel for mixing wine—flanked by the word BIBE and the phrase Dicit Fortunatus: Vinum cratera quot sitis, bibe (Fortunatus says: Drink as much wine from the krater as your thirst desires ). Positioned near a public fountain, it invited passersby to refresh themselves, reflecting the social and communal role of taverns in ancient Roman life.