Roman Domestic Religion
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
PP160
IX. xiv. 4
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Associated
Cult Spaces:
PP159
Structural type:
Aediucla, Niche, Wall Painting
Room function:
Culina/Kitchen
Description:
On the south wall of the kitchen was a shrine, consisting of a painted aedicula around an arched niche. The pediment was painted in red and green imitation marble. The niche sat 1.58m above the floor, with its interior painted in spots of yellow, green, and red. On the back wall was a figure, which the excavators identified as Fortuna but Boyce notes to be a Genius, holding a cornucopia and a patera. Within the bounds of the aedicula façade were other painted figures, including a Lar on each side of the niche holding a rhyton and situla. Above were garlands on which a bird was perched. Below the niche was a hog and a banquet scene with six persons upon triclinium couches. Immediately below the niche was a single serpent among plants. Not within the scene, but located between the cult space and the entrance to the room was a painting of Hercules with his club.
References:
Boyce 1937, p. 31 (#68); Giacobello 2008, pp. 218-219 (#114)
Image reference:
Pompeii Sites 1911