THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion
PP128
Domus of Balbus (I. viii. 18)
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Niche, Wall Painting
Associated
Cult Spaces:
-
Room function:
Culina/Kitchen
Description:
Located on the south wall of the kitchen was a shrine, consisting of a small arched niche, sitting 1.15m above the floor, with an accompanying painted scene. The niche was plastered and originally had a tile projecting base. Below the niche were two confronting serpents with a cylindrical altar in between them. On the altar, painted in imitation marble, were offerings of an egg and a pine cone. The serpents slithered among plants with flowers. Flanking the niche were the Lares carrying situlae and rhyta. At the top of the scene hung garlands with taeniae. Inside the niche, three small statues (unidentifiable) were found, two busts, and an arula.
References:
Wallace Hadrill 1994, p. 192; Giacobello 2008, pp. 142-143 (#14)
Image reference:
Pompeii Sites (Date unknown)