
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion

HC003
III. 3 (House of the Skeleton)
Cult Space Type:
Shrine




Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Aedicula; Mosaic; Niche; Nymphaeum
Associated
Cult Spaces:
HC001, HC002, HC048
Room Function:
Courtyard
Description:
Against the south wall of the courtyard was a shrine. This comprised a nymphaeum in the form of an aedicula with a small pool directly in front. The base of the structure was set on a masonry podium that sat directly against the southern wall. The base was a narrow rectangular shape and was decorated in geometric and floral motifs of mosaic glass and shell in brown, cream, and blue. Above this ran an architrave, which has largely been destroyed. The aedicula centred around an apsidal niche set into the wall, flanked by two simple columns. A cornice ran around the curve of the niche. Above these sat an architrave with pediment above. These structures were also decorated in blue, red, cream, green, and brown mosaics, with the entire structure being largely outlined by scallop shells. The niche contained a depiction of Medusa's head. Immediately in front of the shrine was a masonry podium, perhaps used as an altar.
References:
Maiuri 1958, pp. 265-275; Orr 1972, p. 193 (#3); Wallace Hadrill 1994, pp. 24, 199.
Image reference:
Cooper 2019