Roman Artifacts III

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The Roman Lararium (plural Lararia) were small shrines dedicated the veneration of the Lares - guardian spirits of the ancient household. Any Roman citizen was expected to have (in one way, shape, of form) a Lararium in their abode. Styles varied greatly, and there was no real template for construction. Archeological evidence suggests that the main common denominator was that the structure had to be immobile, or permanent.

That being said, the wealthier the Roman, the more extravagant was the Lararium. The wealthy patrician could afford a magnificent structure built of marble with fine metal trim. They were also adorned with ornate mosaics and expensive statuettes carved of gold or other precious metals. Plebeian Lararia were more modest. Often being made of simple brick and wood.

A common theme among all Lararia were the lares themselves. Although there is still much to be discovered, the lares (or household spirits) were depicted as two dancing men flanking a mother-like figure in the center that was supposed to represent fertility for the family line. Other items in common among Lararia were incense, and incense burners, plates of salt (Salinum) to offer, and portrayals or pictures of snakes. These snakes brought abundance, prosperity, and health to the household.

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