Fullonica su via degli Augustali

Panel 36 - Location

The fullonica (fullery) was built in the early 2nd century AD by converting a house of an earlier period. It consisted of a huge room with a roof supported by pillars, hosting four large basins connected to one another and lined with cocciopesto, a coating that served to waterproof them.

Panel 36 - Figure 1Axonometric reconstruction of the fullonica
(A.L. Pietrogrande, A. Pascolini)

In the 3rd century AD, 35 circular recipients in terracotta were added, separated by low brick walls against which the workers leant as they pressed the textiles with their feet. The fabrics were washed with a variety of substances, including natural soda and urine, which contains ammonia, and were hung out to dry on slender beams, as suggested by the presence of cavities in the sides of the pillars.

Panel 36 - Figure 2Reconstruction of work to press the textiles
(A.L. Pietrogrande, A. Pascolini)
Panel 36 - Figure 3Reconstruction of the system for hanging out the textiles after washing
(A.L. Pietrogrande, A. Pascolini)

See also:

The area of the eastern cults and the Porta Laurentina district