The Neronian Cryptoporticus (Criptoportico Neroniano) on the Palatine Hill is an underground corridor, approximately 130 meters in length, constructed during the Neronian period between 54 and 68 CE. This structure was part of the Domus Tiberiana complex, the first imperial palace built on the Palatine Hill.
Emperor Tiberius, followed by subsequent emperors of the Julio-Claudian dynasty—Caligula, Claudius, and Nero—transformed the previously separate imperial residences into a unified palace complex. The structure is 130 meters long and connected the Palace of Tiberius/Caligula to the House of Livia (later referred to as the House of Germanicus).
Historically, the Neronian Cryptoporticus is significant not only for its architectural features but also for its association with key events in Roman history. It is believed to have been the site of Emperor Caligula's assassination, adding a layer of historical intrigue to its structural importance. Ancient sources describe assassins running down this cryptoporticus and hiding in the House of Germanicus (or Livia) after the murder.
Today the cryptoporticus is periodically used as a temporary exhibition.
circa 54-68 CE
The cryptoporticus served as a subterranean passageway, illuminated by basement windows, facilitating movement between different sections of the imperial residences while providing shelter from the elements. Its construction reflects the architectural ingenuity of the period, combining functionality with the aesthetic demands of imperial Rome. This cryptoporticus runs east from the Houses of Livia and Augustus, rather than the previously assumed north-south direction.
The tunnel had multiple entrances, including: an entrance near the House of Livia, which was within the Augustus complex, a branch leading up to the palace atrium/courtyard, another entrance at ground level, facing the main street leading into Palatine Hill from the Via Sacra.
Originally the vaulted ceiling of the cryptoporticus was covered with fine white stucco (inspect), depicting cupids within decorative frames, of which only a few fragments remain. While this stucco decoration has generally been dated to the age of Nero, it most probably relates to an earlier period, the first half of the first century CE.
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The Madain Project is an online archive of Abrahamic History and Archaeology.
Abrahamic History & Archaeology is the study of history and archaeology with respect to the three Abrahamic Faiths without considering the religious and theological aspects. The goal of Abrahamic History is to understand how and why the religious doctrines and behaviours have evlovled and changed over time. Searching for patterns in the evolution of significant cultural events such as the development of farming, the emergence of cities, or the collapse of major civilizations for clues of why and how these have influenced the three major Abrahamic religions.
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