Street Painted Altar, Pompei
The Street Painted Altar in Pompeii, Italy, presents a fascinating glimpse into the religious and cultural practices of the ancient city before it was buried under volcanic ash in 79 AD. Situated near the Lupinarium, this altar is notable for its vibrant lararium, a sacred space within Roman homes dedicated to household gods. The altar features a distinctive Latin inscription which translates to "This is no place for idle people. No loitering" (OTIOSIS, LOCUS HIC, NON EST DISCEDE MORATOR), serving as a stern reminder to passersby of the importance of diligence and purpose.
The most striking aspect of the altar is the elaborate depiction of serpents that dominate the painted surface. In Roman belief, serpents were often associated with household gods and were believed to offer protection to the home. Their prominent representation on the altar highlights the sanctity of the space and its connection to divine protection. Furthermore, the presence of the figure of Genius on the back wall adds another layer of religious significance. In Roman religion, the Genius was the individual spirit or divine nature present in every individual, place, or thing, embodying the essence of life and an individual's influence on their own surroundings.
The Street Painted Altar, with its unique combination of warning inscription and religious iconography, offers insight into the daily life and spiritual beliefs of Pompeii's inhabitants. It underscores the importance of religion in public and private spaces, as well as the communal values that govern the behavior of its citizens. Through its preservation, the altar remains a compelling artifact that connects the modern world to the complexities of ancient Roman society.
The most striking aspect of the altar is the elaborate depiction of serpents that dominate the painted surface. In Roman belief, serpents were often associated with household gods and were believed to offer protection to the home. Their prominent representation on the altar highlights the sanctity of the space and its connection to divine protection. Furthermore, the presence of the figure of Genius on the back wall adds another layer of religious significance. In Roman religion, the Genius was the individual spirit or divine nature present in every individual, place, or thing, embodying the essence of life and an individual's influence on their own surroundings.
The Street Painted Altar, with its unique combination of warning inscription and religious iconography, offers insight into the daily life and spiritual beliefs of Pompeii's inhabitants. It underscores the importance of religion in public and private spaces, as well as the communal values that govern the behavior of its citizens. Through its preservation, the altar remains a compelling artifact that connects the modern world to the complexities of ancient Roman society.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Pompei. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Street Painted Altar on Map
Sight Name: Street Painted Altar
Sight Location: Pompei, Italy (See walking tours in Pompei)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Pompei, Italy (See walking tours in Pompei)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Pompei, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Pompei
Creating your own self-guided walk in Pompei is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Pompeii Introduction Walk I
Modern-day Pompei is best known for its ancient predecessor, the Roman city of Pompeii, that fell victim to the massive eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The ruins of Pompeii, first uncovered in the late 18th century, were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. Presently, this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, drawing annually up to 2.5 million visitors.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
Pompeii Introduction Walk II
Frozen at the moment it was buried under the thick blanket of ash and pumice, the city of Pompeii (now excavated) remains a unique window into the past, offering a snapshot of everyday life back in the 1st century AD Roman Empire. Aside from causing quick and unexpected death to the city, the huge eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD did have one positive outcome – it preserved everything (properties,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles