Thermopilium at Herculaneum

3D Model

“The thermopolia were public dining establishments that served hot food and drinks (whence the Greek-style name): it was not customary to have lunch (prandium=midday meal) at home. This is a typical, simple structure: one room opening onto the road, with a brick counter decorated with marble or terracotta slabs, into which were sunk the dolia (jars) containing the goods: at times, one could sit down in the back rooms to eat one’s meal. Many amphorae were found in the back room of this thermopolium, one of which bore an inscription painted by a Herculaneum craftsman: M. Livi Alcimi Herclani.”

http://www.pompeiisites.org/allegati/ercolano_eng%20finale_150306120206.pdf