THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion
PP211
V. iii. 13
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Aediucla, Niche, Wall Painting
Associated
Cult Spaces:
-
Room function:
Viridarium/Garden
Description:
Located in a corner of a small garden space was a shrine, comprised of a pseudo-aedicula niche with accompanying wall paintings. The niche was rectangular, with its interior coated in stucco, with a moulded arch on the back wall. The niche opening and the aedicula façade are outlined by red lines. The base of the niche had a step set presumably for a statuette. On either side of the niche opening were white panels with depictions of the Lares holding paterae. The aedicula appeared to have been constructed with stucco, with moulded pilasters with simple capitals and pediment. A moulded cornice also sat below. The pilasters, pediment, and cornice were decorated with red-on-white floral decorative motifs. Along the edge of the pediment ran geometric motifs of dark red, red, and yellow half circles in a repeating pattern. The wall around the niche had a base of white, with the wider wall paintings also outlined in a thick red line. The upper register contained two yellow serpents meeting at a cylindrical altar. On the altar were offerings of a large pine cone and two eggs, with flames in between. The serpents sat immediately below the niche among green foliage, with a blue, yellow, and red garland hanging above their heads. This foliage extended up the wall to the top of the shrine, where small birds could be seen in flight. In the lower register of the scene a peacock facing away from the shrine among plants, one with small yellow flowers. The cult scene borders a red panel on the opposing wall, which depicted a hunting scene. This included horses, a boar, and dogs. A small stone altar was found near the cult space in the garden. The altar had traces of burnt offerings on it. The cult spaces overlooked a water feature, similar to a small pool. The property is not fully excavated and so the wider context of the shrine within the house is uncertain.
References:
Parco Archeologico di Pompei 2018.
Image reference:
Parco Archeologico di Pompei 2018