Forensic Cryptoporticus (Criptoportico Forense)

The forensic cryptoporticus is a Roman monument in the city of Aosta, and in ancient times surrounded the sacred area of the forum of Augusta Praetoria. It consists of a gallery with two naves articulated on three sides which embraces an ideal rectangle of 89x73 metres, leaving it open on the south side. The vaults are supported by imposing travertine pillars. It is supported by a series of arches that divide the two naves. The function of this underground structure has not yet been completely clarified: it is hypothesized that it could initially have been used as an ambulatory and only from the 3rd century as a military depot. It certainly played an important structural role and served to regularize the natural difference in level of the land in the area of the forensic complex. In the space circumscribed by the gallery, in an elevated position, there were two temples with six columns in front, side by side. The first dedicated to the deified Augustus and the second to the Capitoline triad Jupiter, Juno, Minerva. The recent discovery of an insula to the right of the cryptoporticus will be part of the complex of monuments which will also include the cathedral of Aosta. It represents one of the few forensic cryptoporticus accessible to the public together with those of Arles, Reims, Bavay and that of Vicenza, which however belonged to a private domus.

Видео Forensic Cryptoporticus (Criptoportico Forense) канала Pietro Pecco