THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion
PP402
VII. x. 3 and 14
Cult Space Type:
Altar
Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Altar
Associated
Cult Spaces:
PP403
Room function:
Viridarium/Garden
Description:
In the large commercial garden at the rear of the property (entered at VII. X. 14) was a masonry altar. The altar was stepped on its front side and was coated in white stucco and paint. On the front of the altar were depictions of a shallow dish containing a vase, an acerra, and fruits with a pine cone. On the left side was a scene depicting an altar between two trees with symbols relating to Diana present, including a crown, a bow, a quiver, two hunting spears, two dogs, and a torch. On the right side was a rural scene depicting a shrine in a field consisting of a column capital with a basket on top holding two rhyta, a jar, a phallus-like object covered in a red cloth, and a thyrsus. On the wall which the altar was against was a painted garden scene which depicted trees, plants, and birds. It is uncertain if this cult space survives today.
References:
Boyce 1937, p. 69 (#307)
Image reference: