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.