A
reconstruction of Pisos 1st-centruy-BC palatial villa
at Herculaneum (above) and the excavation (left). The colonnade
with sweeping views of the Bay of Naples was 250 yards long.
Sadly, the sea has receded by a few hundred yards. Many rich
Romans chose relax in this seaside resort. Piso was Julius Caesars
father-in-law. His philosopher in residence, Philodemus, who
was Virgils tutor, gave a high tone to discussions with
distinguished guests. John Paul Getty was fascinated by this
building and based his Malibu art gallery on it.