Entrance - Building of Eumachia

The building of Eumachia was the guildhall of the cloth trade. It was set up by the priestess Eumachia for the 'fullones' or dyers and launderers. This industry was regarded as so important that it could have its guildhall in the forum which was the centre of business life in Pompeii.

The building itself was entered via the forum. The elaborately decorated principal entrance can be seen in the picture. Immediately beyond the principal entrance were two small rooms. One of these was used for storing and the other was used for the collection of urine which was required for the fulling process. Inside there was an open courtyard where cloth would be sold. This courtyard can be seen in the picture. Around this courtyard there was a colonnade. At the back of the courtyard was space for the storage of cloth.