The Macellum of Pompeii: A Market of Commerce and Imperial Worship

The Macellum of Pompeii was located on the Forum and served as the city's provision market, making it one of the focal points of ancient life. As the city grew, it became necessary to relieve pressure on the forum, and the Macellum was situated just outside the northeast corner. Because it had to fit between the Via degli Augustali and the Vico del Balcone Pensile, the building is slightly misaligned with the forum, causing the shops on the west side to increase in size from south to north.

Archaeological excavations have revealed a building that was still not fully repaired by the time of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, following a major earthquake in 62 AD. Researchers are particularly interested in the east side, which is thought to have been dedicated to the imperial cult, illustrating the central role of emperors in Roman lives. The rooms on the west side provide examples of the link between economic and public life, while the structure as a whole serves as a testimony to everyday culture, evidenced by finds of food remains, items of daily use, and Roman wall paintings.

The Macellum featured three entrances: one in the middle of the west side to the forum, one in the middle of the north side to Via degli Augustali, and a southeast entrance reached by a small stairway. While excavators initially believed the building was a temple due to twelve column bases in the center, the discovery of cereals, fruits, and fish scales confirmed its role as a market. On the west side, a mural painting from the period after the 62 AD earthquake depicts mythological scenes, including Penelope recognizing Odysseus and Medea ruminating on the deaths of her children.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons