
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion

PP535
House of the Centenary (IX. viii. 3 and 6)
Cult Space Type:
Shrine




Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Aediucla, Mosaic, Niche, Nymphaeum
Associated
Cult Spaces:
PP534
Room function:
Courtyard
Description:
At the rear of the house was a large nymphaeum. It sat high on a podium that ran the length of the southern wall and consisted of a large vaulted semi-circular niche, with a sort of plain aedicula façade. The façade consisted of two rectangular pilasters which supported a plain pediment with a simple peak at the top. Painted in the centre of this pediment was a shell-like object. The remainder of the structure was decorated in a mosaic featuring a scallop design of various blue, white, and yellow tesserae. The interior of the niche was decorated to match the façade. It was outlined by real shells, which also acted as a sort of cornice running the curve of the niche. While much of the interior decoration does not survive, it appears that the ceiling of the niche was decorated with the traditional shell motif. At the base of the niche was a marble staircase that carried water into the square pool below. At the base of this structure was a depiction of a reclining woman. On either side of the staircase were two pilasters, which supported those of the niche above, painted in red and cream imitation marble with their edges outlined with red stripes.
References:
Jashemski 1979, pp. 110-111
Image reference:
Pompeii in Pictures 2009