THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion
PP173
V. i. 23 and 26
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Aediucla
Associated
Cult Spaces:
PP172, PP174, PP175
Room function:
Atrium
Description:
Located in the northwest corner of the atrium was a cult space, comprised of a high podium (1.13m) veneered with marble panels with the centre of each panel decorated with a geometric relief. While no longer present, an aedicula structure would have once stood on the podium, its roof supported by three wooden pilasters, the marks of which were still present. On the podium, against the walls, were two steps of marble. Along the top of the podium ran a marble frieze, showing the depiction of the earthquake of 62 A.D. alongside the Pompeian Capitolium building and the triumphal arch on the southern side. The eastern side depicted various objects such as insects, flowers, ham legs, plants, vases, and instruments. A third sculpted relief was placed above the podium on the north wall, which depicted the Porta Vesuviana and the adjacent water tower, but it is uncertain if this belongs to the cult space or not. A bronze statuette of a Lar holding a cornucopia and patera was found in the atrium but it is not certain if this was directly related to the shrine.
References:
Boyce 1937, p. 32 (#80); Giacobello 2008, pp. 236-237 (A10)
Image reference:
Nash 1939 (Via Pompeii in Pictures)