Roman Domestic Religion
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
PP008
The Inn of Hermes (I. i. 8)
Cult Space Type:
Cult Painting
Date:
79 A.D.
Associated
Cult Spaces:
-
Structural type:
Wall Painting, Shelf
Room function:
Vestibule
Description:
Located on the north wall of the vestibule was a cult painting. It depicted a Genius beside an altar performing a sacrifice with the tibicen and camillus, who carried a patera and rooster. On either side was a Lar holding a rhyton and situla. Coiled around the altar was a single serpent. In the lower zone of the painting were two other serpents, heading towards a masonry projection on which a pine cone was painted. Presumably this allowed a place for offerings to be left. Between these serpents stood a man with an amphora. Above his head is written 'HERMES', believed to be the owner of the inn.
References:
Boyce 1937, p. 21 (#2); Ruddell 1964, p.7-8; Fröhlich 1991, pp. 249-250 (L2); Ellis et al 2011, pp.23-24.
Image reference:
Discanno 1872 (Via Pompeii in Pictures)