Hic habitat felicitas relief - An extraordinary lucky charm
This hic habitat felicitas relief is an eye-catcher, not least because of the phallus it depicts. What may seem obscene to us today was, however, anything but vulgar in antiquity: uncovered depictions of the phallus were quite normal, whether on statues, in mosaics or on hic habitat felicitas reliefs.
Home sweet home, happiness alone
Lucky charms, which were attached to houses to protect the inhabitants from bad luck and support them, have been known since time immemorial. While the horseshoe in particular was used for this purpose in Europe (and still is today), representations of phalli were also used in Rome. These were not only supposed to prevent evil influences, but were also a symbol of strength and fertility. This hic habitat felicitas relief clearly states: "This is where happiness lives." Whether for yourself or for friends: bring happiness into your home too!
- The original is now in the National Museum of Naples
- Comes from Pompei, 1st century AD.
- Hic habitat felicitas relief, dimensions: 20x27cm
- Material: Terracotta alabaster plaster
- Made in Germany
Production method
Ground alabaster plaster is used for the production of this replica. This is a high-quality natural product, which is also used in the preservation of art and monuments. This ensures that this hic habitat felicitas relief comes as close as possible to the original, which is often not the case with replicas made from other types of plaster.
Romans and male nudity
Although depictions of unveiled phalli were not uncommon in art, it was by no means the case that a Roman man was unclothed in everyday life. In public bathhouses or during some sporting activities, on the other hand, nudity was common and no reason for shame. After all, people were used to seeing male genitals in hic habitat felicitas reliefs.
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Manufacturer information:
Schwarzweiss Dienstleistungs GmbH
Beningsgasse 1
Hessen
Glauburg, Deutschland, 63695
https://www.Der-Römer-Shop.de
| Period: |
Rome |
| SKU: |
50107
|
| Shipping weight: |
1,10 kg
|
| Item weight: |
0,82 kg
|
| Dimensions
( Length × Width × Height ):
|
27,00 × 20,00 × 1,00 cm |
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The relief ‘Hic habitat felicitas’: A journey into antiquity
The relief ‘Hic habitat felicitas’ (‘Happiness lives here’) refers to an historical inscription discovered in the ancient Roman city of Pompeii. The saying was found as a graffito on the wall of a bakery and dates from the time before the devastating Vesuvius eruption on 24 August 79 AD, which buried the city under ash.
Historical context and use
Origin in Pompeii:
The inscription was written by a Pompeian citizen and reflects everyday beliefs or the decorative character of such wall inscriptions. It may have served as a symbol of good luck or as a reference to a place of conviviality.
Other finds:
An extended version of the inscription – ‘Hic habitat felicitas, nihil intret mali’ (‘Happiness lives here, may no evil enter’) – was discovered on a mosaic in a Roman villa in Salzburg (Austria). This underlines the widespread use of the motif in the Roman Empire.
Cultural significance:
According to sources, the saying was sometimes associated with lupanars (Roman brothels), where it could be understood as a humorous or ironic invitation.
Archaeological significance
Pompeii is considered a unique archaeological site, preserved by the volcanic eruption. The city offers insights into Roman daily life, art and architecture.
The excavations of Pompeii from the 18th century onwards revolutionised archaeology by developing methods of preservation and documentation.
The relief in the Roman shop is a replica that draws on this historical reference and makes ancient culture accessible. The shop itself emphasises its connection to museums and archaeological networks in order to keep history alive.
Interview with expert Andreas Hopson
1. Why is the relief ‘Hic habitat felicitas’ so historically significant?
The relief is a fascinating example of Roman graffiti and provides an authentic impression of everyday life in Pompeii. It is a symbol of the cultural significance of luck and sociability in ancient Rome and reflects the social structure of the time.
2. How can this product be used in education?
It is ideal for project weeks and as a vivid example for teaching about Roman everyday life. Pupils can creatively engage with ancient inscriptions and graffiti and understand how such artefacts contribute to the documentation of history.
3. What makes the relief in the Römer Shop special?
It is a faithful replica, carefully crafted with materials similar to those used in ancient times. Its connection to archaeological networks and museums ensures that it is not only a decorative piece, but also a genuine educational object.
4. What archaeological significance does Pompeii have for modern research?
Pompeii is a treasure for archaeologists because the city was preserved by the eruption of Vesuvius. Today, it offers us detailed insights into the daily life, art and architecture of the Roman Empire.
5. Which target groups can particularly benefit from this product?
This relief is particularly relevant for teachers and history enthusiasts. It offers a creative approach to ancient topics and is ideal for school lessons or as historical decoration for museums and exhibitions.
About the author: Andreas Hopson
‘I live and love the ancient world with all my heart and I am happy to share it with you.’
Specialist area: Craft techniques of ancient mosaicists
DArV - German Archaeological Association
West-und Süddeutscher Verband für Altertumsforschung e.V.
Phoenix Pompeji e.V. in Zusammenarbeit mit der Soprintendenza Neapel, Italien
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