The Funeral of Eumachia

Today is the funeral of Eumachia, one of the wealthiest and superior women in Pompeii. Her funeral is being held outside of Nuceria Gate, and has been privately funded by herself. Additionally, Eumachia has also privately paid for her tomb. “This demonstrates both her high status, wealth and influence as well as her desire to show off that wealth in order to prove that she was not inferior due to being a woman or a former slave.” (1) This tomb contains multiple stories, in order to have room for the rest of her family, including her husband and son.

Eumachia, daughter of Lucius Eumachius who was a brick manufacturer and wife of Numistrius Fronto who was part of one of Pompeii's oldest family, has left behind a son, Marcus Cornelius Fronto. Her son is also the one who gave the eulogy at today’s funeral. Additionally, Eumachia has left the city a great building which can be located in the Forum. This building was built in the early first century AD and has been dedicated to divinities Concordia Augusta and Pietas. There is an inscription that can be found above the side door of the building that reads:

“Eumachia, daughter of Lucius, a public priestess, in her own name, and in the name of her son, Murcus Numistrius Fronto, made the chalcidicum, the crypta and the porticus with her own money and dedicated the same to Concordia Augusta and to Pietas.” (2)

The building itself can be found on the eastern side of the Forum, and contains several fullonicas for the dry cleaners. These fullonicas are used in order to collect urine that can be used to get stains out of fabrics and other woolens. Eumachia was known as the patroness of launderers causing the dry cleaning corporate headquarters to be found in her building.

Also, a statue has been installed in her honor, located in the exedra in the rear of the building, and has been dedicated to her by the fullers of the city.

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