Roman Domestic Religion
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
PP460
House of the Red Walls (VIII. v. 37)
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Associated
Cult Spaces:
-
Structural type:
Aediucla, Stucco Relief, Wall Painting
Room function:
Atrium
Description:
Against the east wall of the atrium stood an aedicula shrine. It sat on top of a masonry base with a low step at its rear against the east wall. Around the top of the base ran a cornice of yellow moulded stucco with simple white ornamentation. The aedicula consisted of two unfluted tufa columns with capitals, painted in yellow imitation marble. On top of the columns sat an architrave and simple pediment with a single gable roof. The tympanum was small in size due to the large moulded cornices that decorated the pediment. It was painted white and bordered with red stripes. In the centre was a depiction of gilded gladiatorial arms including a helmet, greaves, a shield, and a dagger. On the back wall of the aedicula were further paintings on a yellow background. This featured the Genius holding a cornucopia and patera beside an altar with offerings of fruit that were ablaze. A Lar was present on either side of the Genius holding rhyton and situla. Wine can be seen pouring between the vessels. Above this group were garlands. Below, on the dark red background of the base, were two yellow serpents meeting at an altar among plants. This altar was furnished with offerings of two eggs and a pine cone. Within the aedicula, six bronze statuettes were found during the excavation. These were Asclepius, Apollo, Mercury, Hercules, and the Lares. Additionally, a bronze lamp was found in the shrine.
References:
Boyce 1937, p. 77 (#371); Giacobello 2008, p. 202-203 (#94)
Image reference:
Durand 2018 (Via Pompeii in Pictures)