New Year's Eve at the Caupona: An Ancient Roman Banquet in Pompeii
Step into the final night of 31 BC and welcome the new year as the consuls and matrons of old Pompeii once did
The Caupona New Year's Eve banquet transports guests into the living world of ancient Rome, where terracotta dishes, amphora-poured wine, and period costumes set the stage for an unforgettable evening. This is not a costume party — it is a carefully curated journey through culinary and theatrical history, rooted in the traditions of Pompeii at the height of the Imperial age.
The setting takes its name from the Latin word for tavern, and every detail of the space reflects that heritage: solid wood tables in the Spartan style of the old caupone, clay vessels on every surface, and an atmosphere that blurs the line between past and present. Guests are welcomed into two historically named spaces — the Marco Lucrezio Frontone Room and the Lucio Placido Thermopolium — each evoking real places and figures of ancient Pompeii.
The evening unfolds against the backdrop of the great turning point in Roman history: the Battle of Actium in 31 BC, when Octavian's conquest of Egypt ended the love story of Antony and Cleopatra and opened Rome's doors to the gastronomic treasures of the East. The recipes of Apicius and Columella, the legendary feasts of Lucullus — these are the inspirations behind a menu that weaves ancient Roman dishes together with contemporary preparations.
Entertainment runs throughout the night, including a theatrical performance drawn from Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, live music played on period instruments, and a traditional dice game that mirrors the documented pastimes of Emperor Augustus himself. The evening closes with Tumula, a pyramid-shaped basket from which numbers, anecdotes, stories, and gifts emerge for guests at the table.
Experience Highlights
Dress in authentic Roman togas and period garments for the full duration of the banquet, just as residents of ancient Pompeii would have done.
Be welcomed by the priestess Lycoris and live musicians playing flutes and drums at the entrance, setting the ritual tone of the Roman New Year.
Dine on a grand banquet menu inspired by Apicius and Columella, combining ancient Roman recipes with modern culinary technique, served in terracotta dishes.
Watch a live theatrical performance based on Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra, exploring the collision of Roman power and Eastern beauty on the night of their story's end.
Play Dadi, the ancient Roman dice game described in a letter from Emperor Augustus, adding a layer of documented historical authenticity to the evening.
Participate in Tumula, a pyramid-shaped tombola from which anecdotes, stories, and gifts are drawn for guests throughout the night.
Experience the banquet across two historically named rooms that recreate real spaces of ancient Pompeii, immersing guests in the architecture and ambiance of the Imperial age.
Evening Itinerary
Guests arrive at the garden of the Caupona and are greeted by the priestess Lycoris and live musicians performing on flutes and drums. This ceremonial welcome mirrors the Roman cult of Janus, the god of transitions, beginnings, and the new year.
Every guest receives a Roman garment to wear for the evening. Once dressed, guests are escorted to their assigned tables in the Marco Lucrezio Frontone Room or the Lucio Placido Thermopolium to begin the formal banquet.
The main banquet is served, featuring dishes drawn from the ancient Roman culinary tradition of Apicius and Columella alongside contemporary preparations. Wine is poured from amphorae and served in period-style goblets throughout the meal.
A live theatrical performance inspired by Shakespeare's Antony and Cleopatra brings to life the dramatic final day of 31 BC. The performance explores the inner conflict between passion and reason that defined the end of an era and the birth of Imperial Rome.
Guests are invited to play Dadi, the ancient game of dice documented in a personal letter from Emperor Augustus. Each round adds to the festive energy of the table with forfeits and prizes.
The evening concludes with Tumula, a pyramid-shaped basket resembling a volcano from which numbered tickets are drawn. Each number reveals an anecdote, a story, or a gift, closing the night with the spirit of ancient Roman hospitality.
What Is Included
Included
- Themed New Year's Eve banquet with ancient Roman and contemporary dishes
- Wine and beverages served from amphorae and period vessels throughout the evening
- Roman toga and period costume for each guest
- Ceremonial welcome by the priestess and live musicians
- Live theatrical performance of Antony and Cleopatra
- Participation in Dadi dice game and Tumula tombola
- Access to both the Frontone Room and Lucio Placido Thermopolium
Not Included
- Transport to and from the venue
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities for staff and performers
- Any items of a personal nature
Important Information
Reserve Your Place at the Roman Banquet
Places for this New Year's Eve event are strictly limited by the capacity of the Caupona's historical rooms. Secure your seat at the table before the banquet is fully booked.
Book Now
