The House of Gaius

Snapshot #

The House of Gaius (Domus Gaii) is a merchant-noble household in Pompeii that became the epicenter of the Roman industrial revolution. Originally a traditional wool-trading family, it successfully pivoted to mechanized production following the activation of the Lydian Stone.

Mandate/Charter #

To secure the survival of the household and the prosperity of the Picentian region through the application of superior manufacturing technologies.

Structure & Ranks #

• The Patriarch: Gaius Calidius (Financial lead)
• The Administrator: Marcus (Technical and daily operations lead)
• The Matron: Livia (Labor management and later, military resistance)
• The Industrial Clients: A network of freedmen and smaller merchants operating the mechanized looms.

Territory/Assets #

• The Villa of Gaius: Located in Pompeii; retrofitted with early steam engines and water-cooling systems.
• The Picentian Warehouses: Strategic hubs for finished cloth storage and distribution.
• The Steamboat Fleet: Advanced naval assets used for global trade.

History #

The House rose to prominence in 79 AD when Marcus used blueprints from the future to save the family business from a regional drought and economic crash. By 80 AD, the House had effectively monopolized the textile market in southern Italy, drawing the ire of Rome.

Key Members #

• Marcus
• Gaius Calidius
• Livia

See also #

• The Lanifica
• The Picentian Nobles
• The Engine of Empire Era