To the west of the palaestra of the Baths of the Forum (I,XII,6) and along the Cardo is a double row of large shops. They were built in opus latericium during the reign of Antoninus Pius (138-161 AD). To the east is a portico belonging to the palaestra, along the west facade is a brick portico. In the south part is a large staircase, accessible from the palaestra and the adjacent rooms. In the back part of two shops the lower part of a staircase has been preserved. A wooden ladder continued to the mezzanine floor. In the room in the north-east corner a bar was installed. It could be entered from the north and east. In the north-east corner of the room, partly blocking the northern entrance, is the bar counter, built in opus vittatum, so from the third or fourth century. It was decorated with white marble. A mortar was placed on top by the excavators. In the lower part of the counter is a basin. |
Plan of the Caseggiato. After SO I. |
The porticus of the building seen from the north-west.
Photo: Klaus Heese.
The bar in the north-east room, from the north-west.
Photo: Jan Theo Bakker.