Excavations from 2023-2024 have uncovered a cult room in the Villa of Civita Giuliana, located less than 1km to the northwest of Pompeii.
The cult room (or sacrarium) is located near the servile sector of the house, next to the stables and a dormitory, and so may have been used by both the owners and their staff and slaves. The main residential portion of the villa is located to the north of this complex.
The room had a rectangular plan and was accessed by a large elaborate door decorated by a moulded tympanum which was outlined by red stripes. In front of the door was a ramp with wheel tracks, suggesting the possible use of a chariot or cart during rituals.
Paintings of the fourth style adorned the walls of the space, comprised of 12 panels of a red background with yellow central decals. The room featured a masonry podium painted in red and yellow imitation marble. This podium would have either acted as an altar or as a base for a statue. Around the room was a continuous masonry bench which showed wear signs of ritual participants.
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