The Popidii were a prominent family in Pompeii throughout the town’s documented history. A remarkable degree of continuity in their contribution to Pompeii’s urban development emerges from A22—23, two similar inscriptions, albeit one in Oscan and the other in Latin, recording building work by individuals from different generations. See also C5.
Construction of a portico (Oscan) (A22)
Since this inscription was found reused in the House of the Skeleton (VII. xiv.9), we can only guess where it might originally have been displayed. The portico has sometimes been identified as the tufa portico on the south side of the Forum, but it could equally well be some portico since demolished. The same man also oversaw the construction of the Nolan Gate (A24) and his name appears on an amphora (A25).
A22 Vetter (1953) no. 13
Vibius Popidius, son of Vibius, chief magistrate (meddix tuticus), issued a contract for the construction of this portico and officially approved it.
Construction of a portico, late 80s BC? (Latin) (A23)
This portico has also been interpreted as being one in the Forum, and the inscription's find-spot, near the entrance to the Basilica, makes this quite possible. Various interpretations have been offered of the magistracy abbreviated simply as ‘Q': it could be q(uaestor), q(uattuorvir) or q(uinquennalis). If we follow the usual interpretation, of quaestor (a post not used in Roman colonies), the inscription may date to a period of interim administration, when the town had the status of a municipium.
A23 CIL X 794 = ILS 5538
Vibius Popidius son of Epidius, qiuaestor), saw to the building of the porticoes.
Construction of Nolan Gate (A24)
This inscription was found built into the inner arch of the Nolan Gate, near the keystone, together with the sculpture in tufa of a female head, probably representing the town's protective deity.
A24 Vetter (1953) no. 14
Vibius Popidius, son of Vibius, chief magistrate (meddix tuticus) saw to this being built and officially approved it.
Amphora inscription (A25)
These words are painted in black upon a wine amphora, found among ancient rubbish, which had accumulated at the foot of the town wall near the Vesuvian Gate. They illustrate how the name of the local annual magistrate (meddix) was used as a means of dating, here for a vintage of wine (compare H6—7).
A25 Vetter (1953) no. 71
Vibius Popidius, son of Vibius, magistrate.
Roof-tile stamp from the Basilica (A26) A26 CIL X 8042.154
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