Macellum of Pompeii, Ancient marketplace ruins in Pompeii, Italy
The Macellum of Pompeii is an ancient marketplace with stone counters, drainage infrastructure, and multiple chambers arranged around a central courtyard with surviving column bases and wall decorations. The structure displays separate functional zones and shop spaces that together form a working commercial hub from Roman times.
The structure was reconstructed following the earthquake of 62 CE but remained partially unfinished when the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 CE buried the city. This preservation in ash offers a rare view of a Roman marketplace frozen at a specific moment in time.
At its center stood a shrine honoring the imperial family, with four wall niches displaying statues that linked commerce and religion in the community. This spatial arrangement reveals how deeply religious devotion and everyday commercial life intertwined in Roman society.
The site is located in the northeastern area of the Forum and is accessible along with the main archaeological zones of Pompeii. Wear sturdy footwear since the ground is uneven and can become slippery, particularly after wet weather.
Excavations revealed a specialized fish-selling zone equipped with an advanced drainage system, showing how Romans managed perishable goods. This demonstrates that even within a marketplace, engineering and hygiene were carefully considered.
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