THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion
PP584
V. iii. 11
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Aediucla, Niche, Nymphaeum, Stucco Relief
Associated
Cult Spaces:
-
Room function:
Viridarium/Garden
Description:
Against the southern wall of the garden stood a nymphaeum. The nymphaeum had an aedicula structure. It sat on a large podium and possessed a large central niche. On either side of the niche stood columns, decorated with painted red and yellow spiralling stripes. The top of the structure had a simple form, with a plain tympanum. The entire structure appears to have been originally painted, however, the only photographs of the structure prior to its decay lack colour. The interior of the niche appears to have been largely white, with its ceiling painted a darker colour, matching the roof of the structure and the surrounding walls. From the niche, a series of stone steps extended downwards, where water would have flowed into the rectangular pool below.
References:
PPM Vol III 1991, p. 944
Image reference:
Boise Van Deman 1903 (Via Pompeii in Pictures)