Porticus Argonautarum, Ancient Roman portico in Campus Martius, Italy
The Porticus Argonautarum was an ancient Roman covered portico in the Campus Martius with sheltered colonnades supported by walls and columns creating a protected walkway. The structure was part of the larger Saepta Julia complex and provided pedestrians with shelter while moving through this important public zone.
Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa built this portico around 25 BC to honor his naval victories and included it within the larger Saepta Julia complex. The structure reflects a period when Rome was expanding its military power and transforming its public spaces into monuments of achievement.
The walls displayed paintings of Jason and the Argonauts' mythological voyage, showing how Greek stories were woven into Rome's public life. Walking through, visitors could see how the Romans mixed stories from the east with their own architecture and art.
The archaeological remains are located near Via della Minerva, close to the Basilica of Santa Maria sopra Minerva in central Rome. Visitors should allow time to observe the eastern wall of the Pantheon carefully, where portions of the ancient structure remain visible in the brickwork.
Ancient texts refer to this structure as Posidonion, suggesting a connection to Neptune and the sea. This alternative name reveals how Romans honored divine powers in their public buildings, even when the official purpose was to commemorate human achievements.
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