The "CAVE CANEM" mosaic from Pompeii is a famous and iconic work located on the floor of the main entrance of a house in Pompeii. It depicts the image of a menacing looking dog and underneath it is the Latin writing "CAVE CANEM", which means "beware of the dog". This mosaic was originally protected by glass and was strategically placed to warn thieves and evil spirits of the presence of a guard dog. This mosaic has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Pompeii and testifies to the widespread presence of domestic animals, particularly dogs, during Roman times. A sad example of what happened to animals during the eruption of Vesuvius is represented by the cast of a dog, exhibited in the Antiquarium of Pompeii, which shows the suffering of the animal left tied to a chain and unable to escape." mosaic from Pompeii is a famous and iconic work located on the floor of the main entrance of a house in Pompeii. It depicts the image of a menacing looking dog and underneath it is the Latin writing "CAVE CANEM", which means "beware of the dog". This mosaic was originally protected by glass and was strategically placed to warn thieves and evil spirits of the presence of a guard dog. This mosaic has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Pompeii and testifies to the widespread presence of domestic animals, particularly dogs, during Roman times. A sad example of what happened to animals during the eruption of Vesuvius is represented by the cast of a dog, exhibited in the Antiquarium of Pompeii, which shows the suffering of the animal left tied to a chain and unable to escape.
