Abstract

Different interpretations concerning the funerary monument of Vesonius Phileros with respect to his family and his relationship with his patroness, Vesonia, need to be verified. Such a discussion will involve inscriptions both from Pompeii and Italy, archaeological data about other individuals buried in the funerary enclosure, and the peculiar exclusion of Vesonius’ amicus Orfellius from the tomb. Their analysis will allow to regard as unlikely that a union between the freedman and his patroness took place; it will be assessed accordingly the identity of some individuals who have been often identified as Vesonius’ (or Vesonius and Vesonia’s) children. The possibility that Vesonius’ offspring was still alive when the Vesuvius destroyed the city should not be ruled out.