Quadriportico dei Teatrico
Quadrangle of Theatres
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 or shelter from the rain for the nearby theaters spectators Great and Small, or, less accepted theory , used as a gymnasium for athletes; following the earthquake of 62, was completely renovated and enlarged and changed its function in school for gladiators: However, when the work was not yet completed, the violent eruption of Vesuvius in 79, covered him in a blanket of lapilli and ash. Was brought to light, together with the nearby theaters, as a result of the archaeological excavations took from the Bourbon dynasty.
The property is accessed via a main entrance on the northeast side, the same side where the courtyard of the Grand Theatre and is characterized by three columns in the Ionic order; However, there were also other secondary entrances, which allowed access to the portico also in the days when they were not scheduled plays: many of these openings were closed as a result of the transformation in the barracks and 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 used as access to the theaters after a famous character. Inside, the structure shows a large central courtyard, bordered by a portico with columns seventy-tufa in Doric order, with the bottom grooved. The perimeter walls are made of Vesuvian lava, uncertain work: leaning to these open small rooms, inside which could accommodate up to two people, who were definitely built after the earthquake of 62, tuff and bricks: at the time of the '62 eruption had not yet completed and missed the plastering. Another room was the kitchen, also used as a dining room; two scales, respectively, leading to a balcony and rooms larger than those of the lower floor, probably reserved for instructors, so-called lanista. During the exploration 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.
