Roman Domestic Religion
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
PP104
I. xiii. 12
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Associated
Cult Spaces:
PP105
Structural type:
Aediucla, Niche
Room function:
Atrium
Description:
Located on the west wall of the atrium was a shrine, comprised of a pseudo-aedicula constructed from brick masonry. The niche of the shrine sat 1.33m above the floor. The interior had been stuccoed and painted to depict plants, red pomegranate blossoms, and small fruits. Two caducei, two serpents coiled around omphaloi, a sistrum, a situla, and other identified objects also decorated the walls of the niche. These symbols are believed to relate to Mercury, Apollo, and Isis. The border of the pediment was decorated with scallop shells and small conches, with traces of a mosaic border remaining on the cornice of the pediment. The base of the shrine has not survived. Fragments of painting present around the shrine indicate that the decoration of the structure may have extended onto the walls around it.
References:
Orr 1972, pp. 163-164 (#38)
Image reference:
Jashemski 1959 (Via Pompeii in Pictures)