Macella

Macella was the Latin term for a meat market or butcher shop. It was a significant element of Roman urban life, providing a centralized location for the purchase of meat and often other foodstuffs. Macella were generally enclosed structures, differentiating them from simpler stalls set up in marketplaces. They commonly contained stalls or booths where individual vendors (carnarii or laniones) sold their wares.

The macellum's layout could vary, but often included a central courtyard or area surrounded by shops. Some macella also featured a tholos, a round structure, possibly used for display or religious purposes. Water management was crucial; macella frequently included drains and sometimes fountains to maintain hygiene and keep the meat fresh.

Beyond simply selling meat, macella also served as social spaces where people could gather and interact. Archaeological evidence suggests that the macellum at Pompeii, for instance, was richly decorated, indicating its importance to the community. The term "macellum" is also sometimes used more broadly to refer to other types of provision markets.