In the basilica at Porta Maggiore in Rome, renovation works in the underground were completed. The object is dated to the 1st century CE.
According to researchers, the basilica underground served people who belonged to the mainstream of neo-Pythagoreism either as a funeral hall or as a meeting place. Neopitagoreism assumed imitation of the patterns and values rooted in Pythagoras and Plato.
The basilica’s underground was discovered in 1917, 12 meters underground, during construction works under the railway lines. The walls of the building were decorated with images of mythological figures (including Achilles, Orpheus, Hercules) and scenes from everyday life.
It is believed that the initiator of the construction of the basilica was a certain Titus Statilius Taurus Corvinus, who was accused – according to the reports of Tacitus – by the Roman Senate of attachment to magic and superstition. Finally, Statilius was forced to commit suicide in 53 CE.
This basilica was a model for subsequent structures of this type, which were popular especially among Christians.
Tourists can visit the basilica’s cellars every second, third and fourth Sunday of each month.
