The Sanctuary of the Public Lares (Santuario Lares Pubblici) was a religious structure in Pompeii dedicated to the Lares, guardian deities in Roman religion believed to protect the city and its inhabitants. Unlike domestic Lares, which safeguarded individual households, the Public Lares were venerated as protectors of the entire community. This sanctuary served as a focal point for civic worship and was integral to the religious life of Pompeii.
Located on the eastern side of Pompeii's Forum (Regio VII, Insula 9, Entrance 3), the Sanctuary of the Public Lares was constructed following the devastating earthquake of 62 CE. Its establishment is interpreted as an act of expiation and a communal effort to seek divine protection for the city. The sanctuary's prominent position adjacent to the Forum underscores its significance in public and religious affairs. Some scholars suggest that the building may have also functioned as a venue for public assemblies, reflecting its multifaceted role in Pompeian society.
circa 25 CE
The Sanctuary of the Public Lares in Pompeii, constructed following the earthquake of 62 CE, is a formally planned religious structure occupying a rectangular area of approximately 18 by 21 meters. It opens directly onto the eastern side of the Forum, underscoring its civic role and accessibility. The layout consists of a central open-air courtyard, likely intended for communal gatherings and ritual use, with the architectural composition oriented toward an apse at the far eastern end. This apse is flanked by wall niches, presumably designed to hold statues of the Lares Publici.
The construction integrates multiple masonry techniques common to the post-earthquake rebuilding phase, including opus incertum, opus reticulatum, and opus testaceum. These reflect the transitional phase of Pompeian construction in the final decade before the eruption. The walls were decorated with engaged columns and shallow niches, creating an articulated spatial rhythm and framing the sacred zone. Although marble revetment was intended for the sanctuary's decorative program, the work remained unfinished at the time of the eruption, suggesting either budgetary limitations or an abrupt halt in construction. A central altar, now missing, originally occupied the courtyard and would have served as the ritual core of the space, reinforcing the sanctuary’s public and votive function within the religious landscape of the city.
Signup for our monthly newsletter / online magazine.
No spam, we promise.
The Madain Project is an online archive of Abrahamic History and Archaeology.
Abrahamic History & Archaeology is the study of history and archaeology with respect to the three Abrahamic Faiths without considering the religious and theological aspects. The goal of Abrahamic History is to understand how and why the religious doctrines and behaviours have evlovled and changed over time. Searching for patterns in the evolution of significant cultural events such as the development of farming, the emergence of cities, or the collapse of major civilizations for clues of why and how these have influenced the three major Abrahamic religions.
Cloud Drive -
About -
Help -
Privacy Policy -
Contact
Madain Project: Encyclopedia of Abrahamic History & Archaeology.
Copyright MadainProject 2017 - 2025.
