Roman Domestic Religion
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
PP588
VI, xvii (Ins. Occ.), 42
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Associated
Cult Spaces:
Structural type:
Nymphaeum
Room function:
Triclinium/Dining Room
Description:
Located on the east wall of the garden level triclinium was a nymphaeum. The nymphaeum was very elaborate, having as aedicula shape and being entirely decorated in mosaic. It would have overlooked the ocean. In the centre was a large apsed niche. The roof of the niche depicted a shell, while the body of the niche had three panels, the side two which possessed elaborate mosaic garden scenes of trees/shrubs. At the bottom of the central section was a panel with aquatic birds (ducks). It was from this central section that water flowed from a series of steps to the pond below. The different panels of the mosaic were bordered by red mosaic stripes.
References:
PPM Vol VI 1996, pp. 44-145
Image reference: