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 Vault of the Porta Maggiore Basilica | |
   Porta Maggiore Basilica Shown within Augustan Rome | |
 Click on the map for a fullscreen view | |
| Coordinates | 41°53′29″N12°30′55″E / 41.891512°N 12.515144°E /41.891512; 12.515144 |
|---|---|
| Type | Basilica |
ThePorta Maggiore Basilica is an undergroundbasilica[1] discovered in 1917 nearPorta Maggiore inRome. It is dated to the 1st century BC.[2][3] It is believed to have been the meeting place of theneo-Pythagoreans and is the only historical site that has been associated with the neo-Pythagorean movement. This school ofmysticalHellenistic philosophy preachedasceticism and was based on the works ofPythagoras andPlato.[4] It was a precursor to thebasilicas built during the Christian period, centuries later. It was opened to small groups of visitors in April 2015.
The basilica is 12 m (40 ft) below the street level. The underground chamber was discovered accidentally in 1917 during the construction of a railway line from Rome to Cassino. An underground passage caved in, revealing the hidden chamber.[5]
The structure is thought to have been constructed by theStatilius family. The head of the familyTitus Statilius Taurus was accused by theSenate for whatTacitus in hisAnnals calls "addiction to magical superstitions". Taurus protested his innocence but eventually committed suicide in 53 CE.
The basilica has threenaves lined by six rock pillars and anapse.[6][7] They are decorated with stucco images ofcentaurs,griffins andsatyrs. Classical heroes such asAchilles,Orpheus,Paris andHercules are also represented.[8]
Originally the basilica was entered through a long downhill entrance from the Prenestina Street, and through avestibule.[9]
The basilica underwent several years of restoration work. In 1951, a concrete shell was constructed that enclosed the entire basilica. Air purifiers fromIQAir in Switzerland have been installed to combatradon gas.
The 40ft-long basilica is now opened to visitors. The visiting groups are kept small because of the fragility of the monument. The temperature and humidity is kept within a narrow range. It is open during 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month, and the tour is prearranged.[10]
Media related toPorta Maggiore underground basilica at Wikimedia Commons
| Preceded by Pantheon | Landmarks of Rome Porta Maggiore Basilica | Succeeded by Roman Forum |
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