page_title: Hypogeum
hierarchical_section_title: Hypogeum
caption_attribution_description: Photo of the Tablinum in the Hypogeum of the Volumnis, Perugia, Italy. The chamber in the privileged position, opposite the stair along the axis of the atrium, is analogous to the tablinum, or master`s study, where family records and deities resided. This chamber contains seven travertine cinerary urns, some covered with stucco, as well as sculptures in sandstone, terracotta, and marble. These sculptures depict not only the individuals interred in the tomb, but also mythological beasts such as Gorgons and serpents, which represent the Furies and demons in Etruscan belief systems. In the center stands the highly decorated crypt of Arnth Velimna, who is commemorated in the inscription on the doorpost of the entrance as one of the founders of the tomb. While most of these Velimna family effigies date from the pre-Roman period, one has an inscription in Latin and is thought to be from the early years under Roman rule, when local mortuary traditions were still being observed.
context_page_description: A hypogeum or hypogaeum is an underground temple or tomb.
  Hypogea will often contain niches for cremated human remains or loculi for buried remains. Occasionally tombs of this type are referred to as built tombs.
  The term hypogeum can also refer to any antique building or part of building built below ground such as the series of tunnels under the Colosseum which held slaves and animals while keeping them ready to fight in the gladiatorial games. The animals and slaves could be let up through trapdoors under the sand-covered arena at any time during a fight.
context_section_description: A hypogeum or hypogaeum (plural hypogea or hypogaea, pronounced /haɪpɒɡeɪə/; literally meaning "underground", from Greek hypo (under) and gaia (mother earth or goddess of earth)) is an underground temple or tomb. 
  Hypogea will often contain niches for cremated human remains or loculi for buried remains. Occasionally tombs of this type are referred to as built tombs.
  The term hypogeum can also refer to any antique building or part of building built below ground such as the series of tunnels under the Colosseum which held slaves (particularly enemy captives) and animals while keeping them ready to fight in the gladiatorial games. The animals and slaves could be let up through trapdoors under the sand-covered arena at any time during a fight.
caption: Tablinum inside Hypogeum of the Volumni, in the northern end of the crypt
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