Quadriportico dei Teatrico

Pompeii

The portico of the Theatre, also called Barracks of the Gladiators, is a Roman structure, buried by the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 and found as a result of the archaeological excavations of ancient Pompeii: initially used as a foyer, it was later transformed barracks for art gladiatorial.

History and Description

The portico of the Theatre was built in the early years of the first century BC, perhaps 80 BC, as a recreational area and it was used as a gymnasium for athletes; following the earthquake of 62, was completely renovated, enlarged and changed its function into a school for gladiators. However, the work was not yet completed before the violent eruption of Vesuvius in 79, which covered it in a blanket of lapilli and ash. The Quadriportico was brought to light together with the nearby theaters, as a result of the archaeological excavations that took place from the Bourbon dynasty.

The property is accessed via a main entrance on the northeast side, this is the same side where the courtyard of the Grand Theatre and is characterized by three columns in the Ionic order. There were also other secondary entrances, which allowed access to the portico also on the days when there were not scheduled performances. Many of these openings were closed as a result of the transformation in the barracks and near the entrance was placed a guard post and a closure through the door. Along the north side there is a staircase leading to the Triangular Forum and, before 62, was named as access to the theaters after a famous character. Inside, the structure shows a large central courtyard, bordered by a portico with seventy columns made of tufa in Doric order, with the bottom grooved. The perimeter walls are made of Vesuvian lava, done in uncertain work. Leading off of these columns are doors to these open small rooms, inside which could accommodate up to two people. These rooms were definitely built after the earthquake of 62 out of tuff and bricks. At the time of the '62 eruption the work had not yet been completed and most lacked the plastering of finished construction of the time.
Another room was the kitchen, also used as a dining room. This was done in two scales, respectively, leading to a balcony and rooms larger than those of the lower floor. These probably were reserved for instructors, or so-called lanista. During the exploration of the ruins were found helmets and swords decorated with scenes from Greek mythology, dresses parade decorated in gold and eighteen skeletons, including those of a wealthy woman jewellery and a slave tied to the strains.