THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion
PP237
House of Music (VI. iii. 6-7)
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Niche, Wall Painting, Altar
Associated
Cult Spaces:
PP603
Room function:
Viridarium/Garden
Description:
Located high up on the east wall of the garden was an arched niche. It sat 2.05m above the ground with a masonry square altar standing below it. The niche was recorded as being undecorated however the altar was coated in red stucco and the wall behind the altar possessing a panel of white stucco which served as the background for a cult painting. On the wall behind the altar was the Genius sacrificing at a circular altar, towards which two crested serpents were moving within bushes. Behind the Genius were two trimmed trees. Only the niche is preserved today.
References:
Boyce 1937, p. 45 (146); Giacobello 2008, p. 172 (#49)
Image reference:
Mazois 1810 (Via Pompeii in Picture)