THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion
PP208
House of Cosmus and Epida (V. iii. 9)
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Altar; Niche, Wall painting
Associated
Cult Spaces:
-
Room function:
Atrium
Description:
In the north wall of the atrium was an arched niche that sat 1.35m above the ground. The niche sat in the centre of a fine white plaster which measured 1.80 h by 1.00 w. The interior of the niche was white like its surrounding walls, with 8-pointed red and yellow stars painted on the ceiling. The curve of the vault as well as the back wall and opening of the niche was bordered by a red, green, and orange linear design. On the wall outside the niche, on either side of the opening, was a Lar carrying a rhyton and patera. Each Lar was represented standing on a base as if he was a depiction of a statuette rather than a deity. Below the niche was a single serpent, moving among plants towards a small altar painted in imitation marble. On the altar were fruit and an egg, which were aflame. During excavation, an undecorated marble altar was found within the niche. The shrine is badly preserved today.
References:
Boyce 1937, p. 39 (#114); Giacobello 2008, pp. 239-240.
Image reference:
Warscher (Date Unknown) (Via Pompeii in Pictures)