Phallic Plaque Pompeii

Handcrafted Roman Phallic Wall Plaque – “Hic Habitat Felicitas”
Details

Originally carved from travertine limestone and displayed on the outer wall of a Pompeian bakery, this striking plaque has been faithfully replicated in clay, celebrating one of the most recognisable Roman symbols of good fortune and prosperity.

The phallic symbol held deep cultural and spiritual significance in ancient Rome, serving as a protective emblem believed to ward off evil and attract wealth and success. Representations of the phallus can be found throughout Pompeii and across the wider Roman world—testament to its widespread use and reverence.

This 1st Century CE plaque also features the Latin inscription:
“HIC HABITAT FELICITAS” — “Here Dwells Happiness.”
A wish of eternal good fortune to all who hang it.

Think of it as the Roman version of ‘Home Sweet Home’.

The bakery where this plaque was found is one of many in Pompeii, the bustling Roman city famously buried by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in AD 79. Pompeii has yielded numerous phallic images and inscriptions, found on homes, shops, taverns, and even street corners.

In this case, the plaque would have conveyed:
“Good fortune and happiness live here — and this place is under magical protection.”

This combination of phallic imagery and a cheerful inscription reflects typical Roman street-level humour and superstition, serving several purposes:

• Protective: The phallus wards off harm and ill will.

• Commercial: The message implies a thriving business — baking good bread brings prosperity.

• Cultural: It shows how openly Romans embraced symbols we might now see as risqué, but which for them represented life, luck, and joy.

Our replica plaque includes a hole at the back for hanging easily on a wall with a nail or hook.

Materials
Earthenware, terracotta

Dimensions
Height: Approx. 400 mm
Width: Approx. 280 mm

Production

Each plaque is handcrafted in Northumberland by Potted History, based on the original artefact. It has been fired to emulate authentic Roman firing conditions, reaching temperatures between 800°C and 1000°C, just as the original potters would have done nearly two thousand years ago. This process results in natural variations in surface colour and texture, giving each plaque its own unique character.

Health & Safety
Museum-Quality Replica: Made using authentic Roman tools and techniques.
Not food safe: This item is unglazed and porous and is intended for decorative display only.
For display purposes only.

Ordering Information
'Add to Basket' Items: Ready to ship immediately.
'Pre-order' Items: Handmade to order within 90 days (longer for international orders). If your order includes both 'Add to Basket' and 'Pre-order' items, they will be shipped together once all items are ready.

Shipping
All items are sent via second-class postal service as standard.
If you require first-class shipping, please contact us for a custom quote.
Postage Note: All items are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive in perfect condition.

Invite good fortune and happiness into your home—just as the Romans did. Order your own “Hic Habitat Felicitas” plaque today.