Sanctuary of the Public Lares

Because of the complex and lively architecture, made somewhat more lightweight by the niches and columns along the walls, it is one of the most interesting and mysterious buildings in Pompeii.

Originally it was probably richly decorated in marble, though the work was never completed. It opened up on the Forum along its entire length. Many marble statues were found on the eight plinths left; not surprisingly, an altar stood in the central part of the Sanctuary.

It may have been built -in honor of the gods protecting Pompeii- after the earthquake of 62 AD trying to publicly quell their aversion to the city which was believed to have manifested itself in the catastrophe that struck the city in 62 AD.

However, according to several studies, the sanctuary was built before the earthquake and was connected to the cult of the Imperial Family.