Holconius Rufus

Fausto and Felice Niccolini, Le case ed i monumenti di Pompeii: disegnati e descritti (Naples, 1854-1896), Volume 2, Plate 8

Marcus Holconius Rufus was an important public figure Pompeii during the early first century C.E. As stated on the inscribed statue base, he held many important governmental offices, such as the office of duumvir. In recognition of his services, he was granted a number of honorific titles, including that of military tribune and father of the colony. Despite his title and the military garb in which he is portrayed, Holconius Rufus never served in the military. This statue and its base were found at the intersection of the Via Stabiana and the Via dell’ Abondonza, the two main commercial streets of Pompeii. Here, the Niccolini Brothers introduce us to one of Pompeii's historical figures and illustrate how he was commemorated by his fellow citizens.