THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion
PP488
IX. ii. 18
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Niche, Wall Painting
Associated
Cult Spaces:
-
Room function:
Peristyle/Portico
Description:
On the north wall of the peristyle was a shrine. It consisted of a rectangular niche with accompanying wall paintings. The niche sat 1.50m above the floor, with its interior coated in white stucco, matching the wall around it. Its back wall was decorated with red spots, likely flowers. The base of the niche was a projecting tile. On the wall below the niche was a painted altar which a large red and yellow serpent approached moving among plants. Within the plants were an owl and other birds. Behind the serpent were two dolphins and a sea monster. Four other dolphins were also recorded to have been found near the niche.
References:
Boyce 1937, p. 81 (#399); Giacobello 2008, p. 283 (V75)
Image reference:
Warscher (Date Unknown) (Via Pompeii in Pictures)