Aedicula

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In Roman religion, an aedicula (pl. aediculae) is a small shrine. The word aedicula is the diminutive of the Latin aedis or aedes, a temple or house; thus, an aedicula is literally a small house or temple.

Many aediculae were household shrines that held small altars or statues of the Lares and Penates. The Lares were Roman deities protecting the house and the family household gods. The Penates were originally patron gods (really genii) of the storeroom, later becoming household gods guarding the entire house. Image:Ephesus library-650px.jpg Other aediculae were small shrines within larger temples, usually set on a base, surmounted by a pediment and surrounded by columns. In the Roman architecture the aedicula has except this a representiv funcion in the society. They're applied at public buildings like the Triumphal arch or City gate or Thermes. The Celsus-Library in Ephesus (2. c. AD) is their a good example.

In the Greek religion is a similar small shrine the Naiskos. But it's determineted exclusively religious.

In the Cemeteries as a part of the funeral architecture the aedicula exists today yet. The aedicula is to meet in public buildings like the Entrance to the subway.


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References

fr:Édicule it:Edicola nl:Aedicula pl:Aedicula sk:Edikula sv:Ädikula

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