#cavecanem

Cave Canem (Beware of dog). Roman mosaic at the entrance to the House of the Tragic Poet in Pompeii, Italy.

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The mosaic picture of a domesticated dog, leashed and chained, with the words “cave canem” (beware of the dog) written under the animal, greeted (or, well, warned) visitors upon entering the house. The figure served as protection over the more private quarters of the 2nd century BC Roman home, one of the most famous at the site thanks to its elaborate mosaic floors and frescoes depicting scenes from Greek mythology.