Crypta Balbi Art Story | Location | Opening Hours Tickets | Authorisations
The Balbi Crypt Museum, the Crypta Balbi in Rome, Italy
Aufidius funeral altar This is one of Rome's newest museums, and it is somewhat unique in that its central theme is neither Antiquity nor the Renaissance, but the Middle Ages.
It is located on the site of one of the three Roman theatres dating from the time of Emperor Augustus.
The buildings of the Crypta Balbi are located above the southern side of the imperial area of the Campus Martius, the“Campus Martius”.
During the reign of Augustus, Cornelius Balbus had a theatre built on this site, connected to a“Crypta”; the work was completed in 13 BC.
Tableware, dishes and plates Originally from Gades (ancient Cadiz) in Spain, Lucius Cornelius Balbus was one of the most important members of Emperor Augustus' inner circle.
The Balbus Theatre was the smallest of the three theatres in ancient Rome, but the most refined.
For example, the stage was adorned with four precious onyx columns.
The“Crypta” itself, not to be confused with a church crypt, was a very large quadrangle, a large open-air courtyard, located just behind the theatre stage.
Fresco of the Fathers of the Church We know that a building, the exact nature of which is unknown, stood in its centre and that a covered gallery, divided into two wings, ran around the building, of which only the marble floor remains.
A great fire destroyed the Campus Martius in 80 AD, destroying the Theatre of Balbus along with it.
During the reign of Hadrian, major works were undertaken here.
The large exedra to the west of the Balbi crypt was converted into bathrooms and toilets, while the Crypta became nothing more than a portico.
Oil and wine amphorae Over the following centuries, the area underwent further construction work, and it was not until 1938 that marble blocks were discovered protruding from the ground, prompting excavations to be carried out at this location.
When visiting the Crypta Balbi museum in its basement, you can still see the pipes and parts of the toilets and cisterns that were located here.
One cannot help but be impressed by the skill and organisational abilities of the Romans in this area, 2,000 years before us.
The Crypta Balbi Collections
Ivory chess set This museum displays frescoes, coins and ceramics, many of which date back to the 9th century, as well as an 8th-century throne decorated with ivory and bone pieces.
Numerous oil lamps and jewellery from the 7th-8th century, as well as many utensils and tools, give us a precise and fascinating insight into everyday life at that time.
Funeral altar of Aufidius A superb funeral altar dedicated to“Lucius Aufidius Aprilis Corinthiarius de theatro Balbi” can also be admired here.
Aufidius owned a bronze foundry and worked for the Balbus Theatre between 60 and 80 AD.
The beauty and quality of this funerary altar demonstrate his high social status at the time.
Finally, another interesting feature of this museum is the presentation of the works, the quality of the lighting, etc.
We particularly appreciate the modern feel of this museum, which has been designed in a contemporary and lively way.
Crypta Balbi Art Story | Location | Opening Hours Tickets | Authorisations
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