{{Merge|Aedicule|date=October 2007}}
In [[Roman religion]], an '''aedicula''' (pl. ''aediculae'') is a small [[shrine]]. The word ''aedicula'' is the [[diminutive]] of the [[Latin]] ''aedis'' or ''[[aedes (Roman)|aedes]]'', a temple or house; thus, an aedicula is literally a small house or [[temple]].
[[Image:Ephesus library-650px.jpg|thumb|250px|Front of [[Celsus]] Library with aediculae]]
Many aediculae were household [[shrine]]s that held small [[altar]]s or [[statue]]s of the [[Lares]] and [[Penates]]. The Lares were [[Roman religion|Roman deities]] protecting the house and the family household gods. The Penates were originally [[patron gods]] (really [[genius (mythology)|genii]]) of the storeroom, later becoming household gods guarding the entire house.

Other aediculae were small shrines within larger [[temple]]s, usually set on a base, surmounted by a pediment and surrounded by columns. In Roman architecture the aedicula has this representative function in the society. They are installed in public buildings like the [[Triumphal arch]], [[City gate]], or [[Therm]]es. The [[Celsus]] Library in [[Ephesus]] (2. c. AD) is a good example.

Similar small shrines, called [[Naiskos]], are found in [[Greek religion]], but their use was strictly religious.

Aediculae exist today in Roman [[cemeteries]] as a part of funeral architecture.

==References==
{{commonscat|Aedicula}}
*Adkins, Lesley & Adkins, Roy A. (1996). ''Dictionary of Roman Religion''. Facts on File, inc. ISBN 0-8160-3005-7.
*{{1911}}

[[Category:Greek temples]]
[[Category:Ancient Roman temples]]

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