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THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion
IB067
El Ruedo
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Building Name:
El Ruedo
Site Name:
El Ruedo
Date:
3rd c. A.D., 4th c. A.D.
Country:
Spain
Associated
Cult Spaces:
Room Function:
-
Triclinium/Dining Room
Features:
Aedicula, Mosaic, Niche, Nymphaeum
Description:
Against the north wall of a triclinium stood a nymphaeum. The nymphaeum possessed three sections: an upper chamber of water lined with opus signinum, a central rectangular space with an inclined surface paved with marble tiles, and an aedicula structure decorated with two columns of marble. The structure had a small brick pediment. The side walls of the structure were painted in an architectural style, with the lower sections of the walls decorated with waterproof mouldings. The whole structure was decorated with stucco and painted. The nymphaeum was connected to a central dining structure in the room via a lead pipe, in the centre of which was a small fountain. Within the room, a statue depicting Perseus and Andromeda was found, as well as bronze statues depicting Hypnos and Hermaphrodite. The Hermaphrodite sculpture was believed to have been placed in the nymphaeum, while the others were placed in niches on either side. Today a reconstructed aedicula shrine (similar to those seen at Pompeii) is placed in the room, however, it is uncertain if there was further evidence of domestic cult practice occurring in this room or whether this is simply for museum/display purposes.
References:
Vaquerizo Gil and Carrillo Diaz-Pines 1995, pp. 124, 129-131, 136-140, 145-147.
Image Reference:
Villa Romana 'El Ruedo' 2016 (Via Google Maps images)
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