THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion
PP405
VII. xi. 11 and 14
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Altar, Niche, Wall Painting
Associated
Cult Spaces:
PP406
Room function:
Viridarium/Garden
Description:
Against the west wall of the large garden in the southwest of the property stood a shrine. This was comprised of a masonry rectangular podium with a projecting arch built above it on the back wall, which formed a niche. The podium likely served as an altar before the niche, with a step was present on the front side. On the back wall of the niche was a painting, featuring Jupiter with the Genius both pouring a libation onto a flaming cylindrical altar in between them. Jupiter was depicted holding a sceptre, thunderbolt, and patera. The Genius was shown to be holding a cornucopia and a patera. The interior walls of the niche were decorated with painted leaves. Flanking the niche opening were painted Lares, badly preserved. The niche was outlined by a thick red stripe. The exterior of the cult space was coated in stucco and painted in various colours.
References:
Boyce 1937, p. 69 (#310); Jashemski 1964, p. 344-346; Ruddell 1964, pp. 105-106
Image reference:
Pompeii in Pictures 2009