Collegial shrine of the Augustales (Sacello degli Augustali) (Herculaneum)

Collegial shrine of the Augustales (Sacello degli Augustali) (Herculaneum)

 

 

Collegial shrine of the Augustales (Sacello degli Augustali) (Herculaneum)The College of Augustus or Augustals is a small religious building dedicated to the gods-defenders. The College of Augustus lies on the corner of Cardo III Street, where it intersects with the main street of Herculaneum, Decumanus. It is believed that the building was the center of the cult of Emperor Augustus and the headquarters of the College of Augustius (or, possibly, even the local curia). The rectangular building has two entrances: the main entrance (a) from Dekumanus Street, which gives access to the building through a long corridor, and the entrance from (b) side of Cardo III Street, which leads directly to the main hall. It is interesting that one of the employees of this College remained at his post during the eruption. He died lying in his closet on the bed. His body is still kept here. This is the only body discovered in Pompeii with partially preserved brain that looked more like glass rather than human flesh

The interior of the College of Augustus or Augustals consists of one large room (c), divided into three parts by four Tuscan columns that support the roof, light penetrates through the windows. Capitol columns decorated with polychrome plaster. The walls of the perimeter are decorated with pilasters that form arches. At some point, the room was made on the back wall, building two walls connecting the back wall to the two rear columns. Room (d), which served as an altar, was raised above the rest of the hall and was fully decorated in the fourth style.

On the back wall of the altar there is a base on which a sculpture or, rather, a bust of the emperor could be installed. Ceremonies of the ruling family were held here.

The side walls of the altar are painted with doors on both sides with central porches that open onto architectural elements on a white background. Above the doors and porch are additional windows with bronze chariots led by winged goddesses of victory, located on pedestals. The central fresco on the left wall depicts the mythical hero Heracles or Hercules, standing next to Juno - Hero and Minerva - Athena.

 

 

Collegial shrine of the Augustales (Sacello degli Augustali) (Herculaneum)  Collegial shrine of the Augustales (Sacello degli Augustali) (Herculaneum)

Collegial shrine of the Augustales (Sacello degli Augustali) (Herculaneum)  Collegial shrine of the Augustales (Sacello degli Augustali) (Herculaneum)