Porta Maggiore Basilica

The Porta Maggiore Basilica is an underground basilica[1] discovered in 1917 near Porta Maggiore in Rome. It is dated to the first century BC.[2] [3] It is believed to have been the meeting place of the neo-Pythagoreans, and is the only historical site that has been associated with the neo-Pythagorean movement. This school of mystical Hellenistic philosophy preached asceticism and was based on the works of Pythagoras and Plato.[4] It was a precursor to the basilicas built during the Christian period, centuries later. It was opened to small groups of visitors in April 2015.

vault of the Porta Maggiore Basilica

Discovery

It 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]

History

The structure is thought to have been constructed by the Statilius family. The then head of the family, Titus Statilius Taurus, was accused by the Senate for what Tacitus in his Annals called "addiction to magical superstitions". He protested his innocence but eventually committed suicide in CE53.

Architecture

The basilica has three naves lined by six rock pillars and an apse.[6][7] They are decorated with stucco images of centaurs, griffins and satyrs. Classical heroes such as Achilles, Orpheus, Paris and Hercules are also represented.[8][9]

Originally the basilica was entered through a long downhill entrance from the Prenestina Street, and through a vestibule.[10]

Opening

The basilica underwent several years of restoration work. In 1951, a concrete shell was constructed that enclosed the entire basilica. Air purifiers from IQAir in Switzerland have been installed to combat radon 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 must be kept within a narrow range. It is open during 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month, and the tour must be prearranged.[11]

References
  1. [Jérôme Carcopino. Etudes romaines. La basilique pythagoricienne de la Porte Majeure. Paris, l'Artisan du livre, 1927]
  2. NEO-PYTHAGOREAN BASILICA OF PORTA MAGGIORE, Romeandart
  3. van Kasteel, Hans (2016). Le temple de Virgile ou la Basilique secrète de la Porte Majeure. Grez-Doiceau: Beya. ISBN 978-2-930729-05-3.
  4. Lisa Spencer, The Neo-Pythagoreans at the Porta Maggiore in Rome, Rosicrucian digest,vol. 87 / 1 (2009), p 36
  5. Secret pagan basilica in Rome emerges from the shadows after 2,000 years, Nick Squires, The Telegraph, 19 Nov 2015
  6. Ball Platner, Samuel. "Basilicae". penelope.uchicago.edu.
  7. Guida di Roma sotterranea - Guide to underground Rome: Dalla Cloaca Massima alla Domus Aurea i più affascinanti siti sotterranei della capitale, Carlo Pavia, Gangemi, 2000, p. 376
  8. Underground Pagan Basilica with Dark History Revealed to the Public for the First Time, MARK MILLER, Ancient Origins, 21 NOVEMBER
  9. 伊ローマ地下聖堂の化粧しっくい、修復作業が進行中, AFP, April 27, 2015
  10. The Underground Basilica of Porta Maggiore unveils its mysteries, 24/04/2015
  11. Underground Basilica of Porta Maggiore, società cooperativa culture
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