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Archaeology Museum of Catalonia - Empúries

Rooster altar

Altar with the remains of polychrome decorations from the Roman city of Empúries. Archaeology Museum of Catalonia, Empúries.

Altar with the remains of polychrome decorations from the Roman city of Empúries. Archaeology Museum of Catalonia, Empúries.

This household altar was founded in 1956 during the excavation of a Roman house in Empúries. The altar support, which remains in situ, was made of brick clad with plaster and paint. The paint was removed and the altar was placed on a new support in order to be displayed in the museum. The decoration of the altar shows painted motifs such as a rooster, two intertwined serpents and green garlands with red fruit. This altar was used for household worship, and the offerings made during festivities were thought to enhance the fertility and reproduction of the household.

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