Everything about Cryptoporticus totally explained
In
Ancient Roman architecture a
cryptoporticus (from
Latin crypta and
porticus) is a covered corridor or passageway. The usual English is "
cryptoportico". The cryptoportico is a semi-subterranean gallery whose
vaulting supports
portico structures aboveground and which is lit from openings at the tops of its arches. On sloping sites the cryptoporticus is often partially at ground level and supports a structure such as a
forum or
Roman villa, in which case it served as
basis villae. It is often
vaulted and lit by openings in the vault. In the letters of
Pliny the Younger, the term is used as a synonym of
crypt. The shade and semi-excavated site of a cryptoportico provided cool and moderated temperatures useful for storage of perishables, while it offered a level and slightly raised
podium for the superstructure.
Examples of cryptoporticus
Arles
The cryptoporticus of
Arles, dating from the
1st century BC was built as foundation for the forum, which has since been replaced by the Chapel of the
Jesuit College and the
City Hall. Three double, parallel tunnels arranged in the form of a U are supported by fifty
piers.
Masons' marks on the stonework indicate that it was built by
Greeks, probably from
Marseille. Similar structures in
Narbonne,
Reims, and
Bavay were used as
granaries. The cryptoporticus at Arles is, however, too damp for prolonged storage and may have served as a
barracks for public
slaves.
Reims
The cryptoporticus of
Reims, formerly enclosing three sides of the forum, is of
Gallo-Roman origin and was probably built during the
3rd century. Today, only its Eastern part remains, but this is unusually well preserved for a Gallo-Roman structure.
Other places
Other well-known examples include the cryptoporticus of
Hadrian's Villa and that of the
House of the Cryptoporticus in
Pompeii.
Further Information
Get more info on 'Cryptoporticus'.
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