Roman Domestic Religion
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
PP263
House of the Small Fountain (VI. viii. 23 and 24)
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Associated
Cult Spaces:
PP262
Structural type:
Aediucla, Nymphaeum, Niche
Room function:
Peristyle/Portico
Description:
Against the west wall of the peristyle was a shrine, consisting of an aedicula nymphaeum. In the centre was a large vaulted niche. The structure was heavily decorated with mosaics and shells in vibrant colours of red, blue, green, and yellow. The vaulted ceiling of the niche depicted a sea monster with bands of alternating stripes of green, red, and yellow and stripes of floral-like patterns. The opening of the niche was outlined by shells, which extended into the niche, following its curve. In the centre, water fell from the mouth of a mask of Silenus into the pool below. The lower section of the niche appeared to have been left undecorated, with a rough texture applied to its surface. The exterior was also decorated, with dolphins present on the pilasters. Several statues were found including a cupid holding a goose, a fisherman sitting on a rock, and a sleeping boy.
References:
Jashemski 1979, pp. 41, 83; Creola 2014, pp. 23, 25-26
Image reference:
Cooper 2019