Mount Vesuvius Pompeii

The Tempie of Vespasian, dedicated to the worship of the Emperor, is to be found along the eastern arcade, between the Building of Eumachia and the Sanctuary of the Lares. The sculptured marble ara or aitar, which depicts a scene of sacrifice, is very interesting. It is possible to recognize the sacrificing priest or victimarius, the flag bearers, a flute-player and several assistants. The statue dedicated to this cult is to be found at the back of a tabernacle. This is certainly one of the most interesting and, in a certain sense, mysterious of the public buildings of Pompeii, due to its, complex architecture. It opens lengthways to the Forum. On a level with the arcade which surrounded the square there are eight quadrangular bases of basalt with traces of iron pivots for attaching slabs of marble. They were probably bases for the columns of the arcade not yet rebuilt after the earthquake of 62 A.D. After the colonnade one enters a large, imposing atrium 18.20 by 19.90 metres. At the centre are the remains of an aitar of which only the foundations are visible.