This tavern located in Via dell’Abbondanza and the adjacent one, called ‘dell’Insegna di Africa’, belonged to the same proprietor, generally identified with Sotericus, whose name appears in the electoral inscriptions on the façade. Both the cauponae (taverns) were built in the last construction phase of the city to the detriment of previously built houses.

The Caupona is also called ‘dell’Insegna di Roma’ because the façade was decorated with the female bust of an armed deity identified as Roma. Unfortunately the bust has been lost. However, in the jamb of an interior room a realistic representation of a guard dog is still preserved and the decoration of the counter is very refined.

The entrance of the second Caupona is decorated with another bust of a female deity, identified as the personification of Africa because of the presence of a headdress with an elephant face. On the opposite jamb there is a niche containing a volcanic stone dating back to a prehistoric eruption and displayed to ward off ill luck.

Excavation dates: 1914, 1953-1955