House and Temple of the People Flavia (at the Barracks of the Corazzieri)

Via XX Settembre 12. (Open Map)
(75)

Description

The works for the construction of the new dining hall of the Barracks of the Cuirassiers along via XX Settembre, brought to light some ancient structures that included a tract of the Servian Walls, a large podium and a nymphaeum (monumental fountain). The nymphaeum was most probably part of the house of Flavius Sabinus, brother of emperor Vespasian (69-79 AD) and consists of a large wall covered by a mosaic with mythological scenes and a wide apsis in its upper part, also decorated with a mosaic. Pipes placed in the upper part of the nymphaeum indicate that a thin veil of water must have flown over the mosaic producing a very suggestive effect. The podium found next to the nymphaeum can be referred to the temple of the Gens Flavia, built by emperor Domitian (81-96 AD) and dedicated to his deified family.