The term "aedicula" is a diminutive form of the Latin word "aedes," which means a temple or dwelling place. In English, it is often spelled as "aedicule" or "edicule." When referring to post-antique architecture, particularly from the Renaissance period, similar architectural elements might be described using the term "tabernacle," such as in "tabernacle window" or the "Torah Ark".

During antiquity many aediculae were simple or elaborate household shrines, known as lararia, which housed small altars or statues dedicated to the Lares and Di Penates. The Lares were Roman deities who were believed to protect the home and family, while the Penates were initially the guardian gods of the storeroom, later evolving to protect the entire household.

Other aediculae served as small shrines within larger temples, typically elevated on a base, topped with a pediment, and surrounded by columns. In ancient Roman architecture, these aediculae played a representative role in society and were commonly found in public buildings such as triumphal arches, city gates, and baths. The Library of Celsus in Ephesus (circa 2 CE) serves as a notable example.

Following the Christianization of the Roman Empire in the 4th century, these shrines, or the structures enclosing them, began to be referred to by the Biblical term "tabernacle." This term was extended to describe any elaborate framework for a niche, window, or picture.

circa 30 CE

Church of the Holy Sepulchre Aedicula
The aedicula or tomb consists of a small, enclosed chapel that houses the tomb of Jesus. Originally built in the fourth century CE by Emperor Constantine the Great, the aedicule has undergone multiple reconstructions and restorations over the centuries. The current structure, which dates back to the twelfth century CE, was constructed after the Crusader conquest of Jerusalem. The aedicule is the central focal point for Christian pilgrimage and in certain cases the worship, and its ornate façade and the surrounding area hold significant religious and historical importance.

Aedicula of the Lares Praestites
The Aedicula of the Lares Praestites, located in the Roman Forum in Rome, was a small shrine dedicated to the Lares Praestites, who were the protective deities of the city and its inhabitants. This aedicula was an important religious site where offerings and prayers were made to these household gods, who were believed to safeguard the city's well-being and prosperity.

The shrine was situated in a prominent location within the Forum, adjacent to the Atrium Vestae, highlighting its significance in daily Roman religious practices. The Lares Praestites were considered guardian deities of the city and its public spaces, and the aedicula served as a focal point for communal worship and civic rituals. The design of the aedicula typically included a small temple-like structure with a pediment and columns, reflecting the architectural style of Roman religious monuments.

Aedicula of the House of the Red Walls in Pompeii
The aedicula of the House of the Red Walls, located in the ancient city of Pompeii, is a notable feature of a well-preserved Roman house. This aedicula, or small shrine, is situated in the atrium of the house, which was a central space used for religious and domestic purposes. The shrine is characterized by its small, temple-like structure, often decorated with elaborate frescoes and architectural elements typical of Roman domestic shrines. It was used for the worship of household deities or Lares, providing a sacred space within the home for religious practices and offerings. The House of the Red Walls, named for its distinctive red-painted walls, is renowned for its intricate decoration and the aedicula's role in reflecting the religious and cultural practices of Pompeian households.

Aedicule Tomb Attributed to Perseus
The aedicule Tomb attributed to Perseus is an ancient Roman funerary monument located along the Ancient Appian Way in Rome. This tomb, dating from the late first century BCE, is named after the Roman poet Persius, although the attribution to him is debated and not conclusively proven. The aedicula, or small shrine-like structure, features classical architectural elements, including a pediment and columns. It was designed to house the remains of the deceased and often included inscriptions and decorations that reflected the status and identity of the individual. The design and inscriptions of the tomb provide valuable insights into Roman burial practices and the artistic styles of the period.

Torah Ark of Ostia Antica Synagogue
The Torah Ark, or the Torah aedicula of the Ostia Synagogue, is the central feature in the synagogue where the Torah scrolls were kept. The presence of the Torah Ark in the Ostia Antica Synagogue highlights the significant role of Jewish religious practices in Roman society and the integration of Jewish worship traditions within the broader context of Roman culture.

Library of Celsus
The aediculae on the façade of the Library of Celsus in Ephesus are prominent architectural features that contribute to the building's grandeur and decorative richness. Constructed around 117-120 CE, the Library of Celsus is an important example of Roman architecture and is renowned for its elaborate façade.

The façade of the Library of Celsus is adorned with multiple aediculae, which are small, temple-like niches set into the structure. These aediculae are framed by columns and pediments, and they were originally intended to house statues or inscriptions. The use of aediculae in the façade highlights the building's monumental and decorative qualities, reflecting both the architectural sophistication of the period and the importance of the library as a cultural and intellectual center.

These aediculae enhance the visual complexity of the façade, creating a striking contrast with the smooth surfaces and providing a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. They are integral to the library's impressive appearance and underscore the Roman emphasis on grandeur and ornamentation in public buildings.