THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion
PP520
IX. vi. 8
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Aediucla, Altar, Niche, Stucco Relief
Associated
Cult Spaces:
-
Room function:
Viridarium/Garden
Description:
In the southwest corner of the garden stood an aedicula shrine. It consisted of a rectangular masonry structure with a gable roof, with a central arched niche. It had no base. The façade consisted of two fluted pilasters with Corinthian capitals supporting an architrave of egg and dart moulding. Above the architrave sat the pediment, with the cornices matching the architrave below. On the tympanum were sacrificial tools in relief, including a patera in the centre and a culter. The interior of the niche was coated in yellow stucco and was decorated with painted trees with birds, cupids, and sea monsters. The vaulted ceiling of the niche was adorned with a stucco shell. On the floor of the niche stood a rectangular altar, with a mask painted on its front. The structural elements of the shrine were all outlined with red stripes.
References:
Boyce 1937, p.87 (#432); Giacobello 2008, p. 286 (V81)
Image reference:
Durand 2020 (Via Pompeii in Pictures)