Encyclopedia Ichnographica | Crypta Balbi | 1/1 |
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Catalogo: | The Crypta Balbi, a porticus built by Balbus in 15 B.C., adjoining his theater and consisting of a series of arcades, covering an area 148.50 by 44.55 meters in extent. Above these arcades was a second story, which may have been the reason why the porticus was called crypta, a name usually applied to an underground corridor which was lighted from above. A considerable portion of the building existed in the sixteenth century, and we possess plans and drawings of that period; but the foundations are now covered with houses. Two travertine pilasters, with engaged columns and the entablature, are built into the front of a house in the via in Cacaberis, No. 23. Blocks of the travertine pavement have also been found in the via Arenula, 5.80 meters beneath the present level. (Platner) |
Pictorial Dictionary notes |
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