Roman Domestic Religion
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
PP326
House of the Black Anchor (VI. x. 7)
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Associated
Cult Spaces:
-
Structural type:
Aediucla, Altar, Nymphaeum
Room function:
Viridarium/Garden
Description:
Located on the south wall of the lower level peristyle garden space was a nymphaeum shrine. This took the form of a large aedicula structure, which comprised of two columns flanking a niche set into the wall, with a pediment on the top. The interior of the niche was painted blue, with the structure having remnants of polychrome stucco decoration and two rudders in relief, perhaps linked to Venus or Fortuna. Remains of an altar were found in front of the structure. It appears that this temple structure was a recent addition, added after the earthquake of 62 A.D. On either side of this structure were two large apsed niches, which along with this cult space, were part of a fountain system created between the Augustan and the Neronian age.
References:
Jashemski 1979, p. 45; Pesando et al. 2006; Giacobello 2008, pp. 272-273 (V48)
Image reference:
Warscher (Date Unknown) (Via Pompeii in Pictures)