
THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion

PP595
IX. 13. Unnumbered house
Cult Space Type:
Shrine



Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Niche, Wall Painting
Associated
Cult Spaces:
-
Room function:
Viridarium/Garden
Description:
Located on a garden wall of a house located at the rear of the House of Julius Polybius (IX. xiii. 1-3) was a shrine. Only known due to a drawing, this cult space has not been photographed and so limited information is available. In the centre was an arched niche with a projecting base. Around the niche was an elaborate cult painting. Immediately above and below the niche were garlands with taeniae. Flanking the top of the niche were large Lares pouring wine from their rhyta into their situlae. In the centre of the scene, two large serpents met at either side of the niche. Standing below the niche was a group of figures depicting the Genius holding a cornucopia in the centre flanked by two female attendants. In the lowest zone, on the right, were depictions of Mercury holding a pouch and his caduceus and Bacchus holding a wine pitcher and his thyrsus. On the left of the lowest register were further figures (one male and one female) standing among palm trees. Only a small section of the garden has been excavated.
References:
Fröhlich 1991, pp. 298-299.
Image reference:
Fröhlich 1991