Balbo Theatre

The Theater of Balbus, one of the three theaters of ancient Rome, was built by Lucius Cornelius Balbus, a wealthy and influential general and politician of the Augustan age. Inaugurated in 13 BC, the theater was part of a complex that also included a crypt, a vast portico used for strolling and discussing during breaks in the performances. This building represented not only a place of entertainment, but also a symbol of Balbus’s prestige and power, closely linked to Emperor Augustus. From an architectural point of view, the Theater of Balbus followed the typical model of Roman theaters, with a semicircular cavea capable of accommodating about 7,700 spectators. The stage, richly decorated, was a masterpiece of architecture and engineering, designed to offer excellent visibility and perfect acoustics. The exterior facade of the theater was imposing, adorned with statues and columns that reflected the grandeur of Roman art at the time. The structure of the theater, like many other public buildings in Rome, was built using a combination of materials such as tuff, travertine, and marble, chosen not only for their beauty, but also for their durability. The theater was an integral part of the city’s social and cultural life, hosting theatrical performances, public speeches, and other events. The Balbus crypt, a large porticoed area attached to the theater, had a crucial function. This space was used as a meeting place and for strolling during breaks in the performances, offering shelter from the sun and rain. The long, shaded portico was decorated with frescoes and sculptures, making it a pleasant and refined place for Roman citizens. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Theater of Balbus, like many other public buildings, experienced a gradual decline. During the Middle Ages, its structures were used as a quarry for building materials, and many of its stones were reused to construct new buildings. However, significant parts of the theater and the crypt have survived and have been brought to light thanks to archaeological excavations that began in the 19th century. Modern excavations have revealed much about the structure and use of the theater and the crypt. During the Renaissance, part of the ruins was incorporated into the convent complex of Santa Caterina dei Funari, another example of how modern Rome has reused and transformed the remnants of its glorious past. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Theater of Balbus is its historical stratification. The excavations have unearthed not only Roman structures, but also evidence of later periods, ranging from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, to modern times. These findings offer a detailed and complex picture of the urban and social evolution of the area. Today, the complex of the Theater of Balbus and the Balbus Crypt is an integral part of the National Roman Museum. The museum houses a vast collection of artifacts that illustrate the history and use of the theater and portico over the centuries. Visitors can explore the ruins, admire the architectural decorations, and learn about the construction techniques used by the ancient Romans. An interesting anecdote concerns the discovery of a series of inscriptions and graffiti on the walls of the theater, which offer an intimate glimpse into the daily life of Roman citizens. These graffiti include names, jokes, and comments on the performances, and testify to the importance of the theater as a place of socialization and entertainment.