Roman Domestic Religion
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
PP217
V. iv. 9
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Associated
Cult Spaces:
PP216, PP218, PP219
Structural type:
Aediucla, Niche, Stucco Relief
Room function:
Atrium
Description:
On the north wall of the atrium was a shrine, consisting of a rectangular white stucco panel with an irregular niche. The niche sat 1.90m above the floor and had a crudely executed aedicula façade. Beneath the niche was a heavy projecting base on which sat two simple engaged columns that flanked the opening of the niche. Above the niche sat a disproportionate pediment with a red tympanum surrounded by moulded stucco architraves and cornicing of lotus flowers and clover. These cornices and architraves also project from the wall and were painted in red, white, and green. The interior of the niche was painted white and was decorated with green and red stars on the ceiling. It was bordered by a thick red line. Within the niche, excavators uncovered a bronze bust of Minerva, an alabaster figure of Venus, and a small male figure leaning on a tripod, its identity unknown.
References:
Boyce 1937, p. 41 (#123); Giacobello 2008, p. 241 (A16)
Image reference:
Pompeii in Pictures 2009