Macellum (Provision Market), Pompei
The Macellum of Pompei was built alongside the Forum, in order to provide further space for the city鈥檚 growing central market. The existing building was constructed in approximately 130 BC, replacing the original macellum building. Built around a central courtyard, the north and south sides both hold twelve separate units for the sale of foodstuffs.
Upon discovering the large, columned building, archaeologists at first believed it to be a pantheon 鈥� a central temple for the worship of many gods. It was only after the discovery of fish bones and jarred fruits underneath the ash that it became clear this building was used as a market. It is believed that permanent stalls were set up on the north side, hidden for much of the day from the sun. These stores sold fruit, nuts and bread, amongst other things. The stalls on the south side were used by local traders to sell meat and fish. There is a well in the centre of the courtyard, which was used by vendors to clean and gut fish.
The Macellum had three entrances 鈥� the southern entrance is notable for the checkerboard patterned wall adjacent to it. It is considered to be the finest quality wall constructed during the Roman era of Pompei. At the back of the market, there is a mysterious room, which was used as a shrine. There has been much debate over the paintings and statues found there. The latest and most widely accepted theory is that they depict Emperor Augustus Caesar, as well as local figures that commanded respect within the town.
Upon discovering the large, columned building, archaeologists at first believed it to be a pantheon 鈥� a central temple for the worship of many gods. It was only after the discovery of fish bones and jarred fruits underneath the ash that it became clear this building was used as a market. It is believed that permanent stalls were set up on the north side, hidden for much of the day from the sun. These stores sold fruit, nuts and bread, amongst other things. The stalls on the south side were used by local traders to sell meat and fish. There is a well in the centre of the courtyard, which was used by vendors to clean and gut fish.
The Macellum had three entrances 鈥� the southern entrance is notable for the checkerboard patterned wall adjacent to it. It is considered to be the finest quality wall constructed during the Roman era of Pompei. At the back of the market, there is a mysterious room, which was used as a shrine. There has been much debate over the paintings and statues found there. The latest and most widely accepted theory is that they depict Emperor Augustus Caesar, as well as local figures that commanded respect within the town.
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Macellum (Provision Market) on Map
Sight Name: Macellum (Provision Market)
Sight Location: Pompei, Italy (See walking tours in Pompei)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Pompei, Italy (See walking tours in Pompei)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Pompei, Italy
Create Your Own Walk in Pompei
Creating your own self-guided walk in Pompei is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Pompeii Introduction Walk II
Frozen at the moment it was buried under the thick blanket of ash and pumice, the city of Pompeii (now excavated) remains a unique window into the past, offering a snapshot of everyday life back in the 1st century AD Roman Empire. Aside from causing quick and unexpected death to the city, the huge eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD did have one positive outcome 鈥� it preserved everything (properties,... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Pompeii Introduction Walk I
Modern-day Pompei is best known for its ancient predecessor, the Roman city of Pompeii, that fell victim to the massive eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. The ruins of Pompeii, first uncovered in the late 18th century, were declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997. Presently, this is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy, drawing annually up to 2.5 million visitors.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles