A “New” (Rediscovered) Nilotic Scene from the Casa del Gemmario: Context, Iconography, and Sub-Elite Viewership

Abstract

“Nilotic scenes” – Roman depictions of Egyptian landscapes, most commonly found in household contexts – are important
sources for the iconography and material constitution of Roman imperialism. Th is study presents a Nilotic fresco, which was
excavated in 1988 but never fully published, from the “Casa del Gemmario” at Pompeii. Apparently a shopkeeper’s residence,
this mixed-use residential and commercial building suggests diff erent viewership possibilities from those of many better-known
Nilescapes.

Keywords: Aegyptiaca, Nilotic scenes, frescoes, Pompeii, domestic archaeology