THE ARCHAEOLOGY OF
Roman Domestic Religion
PP375
House of the Grand Duke (VII. iv. 56)
Cult Space Type:
Shrine
Date:
79 A.D.
Features:
Niche, Stucco Relief, Wall Painting
Associated
Cult Spaces:
PP376
Room function:
Atrium
Description:
On the north wall of the atrium was a shrine, consisting of two niches, framed by three plaster fluted columns on top of a stucco cornice. One of the niches was rectangular with its back wall painted pink, while the other had a vaulted ceiling and was painted white. Below the niches was a cult painting. The scene sat above a red dado with a stucco cornice. Barely visible at the time of excavation, the scene was said to feature a human figure sacrificing at an altar. It is believed that this dates to after 62 A.D. when the atrium underwent restoration work. The shrine does not survive today.
References:
Boyce 1937, p. 66 (#281); Giacobello 2008, p. 245 (A27)
Image reference:
Warscher 1942 (Via Pompeii in Pictures)