THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion
PP114
I. xvi. 3
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Aediucla, Stucco Relief
Associated
Cult Spaces:
-
Room function:
Atrium
Description:
Located in the northwest corner of the atrium was an aedicula shrine. It sat on a rectangular base, with a single doric column in the centre holding up a twinpitched roof (the column has been restored with modern concrete) with two stucco pilasters framing the structure. The pediment was decorated with a detailed stucco cornice. The tympanum on each side was decorated with a triple border of stucco work and was painted red and blue. The west pilaster was far wider than the others, being decorated at the top with egg and dart stucco moulding which continued to run around the interior of the structure like a cornice. On the two interior walls were painted deities. The west panel depicted a figure of a Genius holding a patera and a cornucopia, sacrificing over a cylindrical altar furnished with offerings of one egg and fruit. A serpent coiled around the altar. The north panel depicted Minerva wearing a crested helmet crowned with a floral wreath and carrying a shield and sceptre. She was also depicted pouring a libation over a cylindrical altar which was also furnished with offerings of eggs and fruit. Both panels are bordered by red lines. The walls adjacent to the shrine contain remnants of garden scenes, with green and red plant material painted on a yellow background. The base of the temple structure was stepped, likely allowing for statuettes.
References:
Orr 1972, pp. 167- 168; Giacobello 2008, p. 234 (A6)
Image reference:
Pompeii in Pictures 2006