Colosseum, the Schola of the Heralds of the Circus Maximus, on the Palatine, opens to the public

The Colosseum Archaeological Park opens to the public the Schola of the Heralds of the Circus Maximus on the southern slopes of the Palatine, thus bringing to completion the first of ten projects of the Caput Mundi National Recovery and Resilience Plan under Mission 1 Digitization, Innovation, Competitiveness, Culture and Tourism. An articulated intervention that involved all aspects of interdisciplinary research, from preliminary investigations through prospecting, 3d photogrammetric surveys (ante and post operam), to archaeological excavations, conservative restoration of the surfaces, and lighting enhancement with the sponsorship of iGuzzini and the provision of a new ramp and glass window for the best view of the mosaic and paintings that gave the context its name.

The Schola Praeconum is located on the lowest terrace of the southern slope of the Palatine, in a position that suggests a possible connection in ancient times with the nearby Paedagogium. Although belonging to different eras (the Paedagogium is of Domitian construction but remained in use for a long time afterwards, while the Schola dates back to the Severan age), both buildings had functions related to imperial services: the Paedagogium, as its name indicates, was a kind of college for the education of imperial slaves and can be seen today along the southern route of the Palatine, with its restored original mosaic floors. The Schola Praeconum, on the other hand, was the seat of the guild of heralds, the praecones, charged with announcing the circus pompae.

Built in the 3rd century AD on pre-existing buildings, the Schola was part of the general renovation project of the southern slope of the Palatine promoted by the Severan dynasty. Its orientation respects that of the axis of the Circus Maximus. Architecturally, the structure was characterized by a rectangular courtyard surrounded by a portico supported by pillars (no longer visible except for the walkable space), with a tripartite system of vaulted rooms. The building remained in use until the fifth century AD, as evidenced by the sequence of vertical and horizontal decorative devices.

The earliest decorative work, dating from 200-240 AD, consisted of wall paintings depicting standing male figures dressed in servile garb and placed within aedicule-like architecture. These figures, carrying staffs, maps, serfs or boxes, have been interpreted as tricliniarii. Later, the walls were covered with cipolin slabs, while a large black and white mosaic was laid on the floor, which gave the building its name. This unique mosaic depicts eight male figures in short robes, arranged in two groups of four, holding a caduceus, a standard, and a staff. The mosaic is believed to date from the early fourth century AD, perhaps during renovations initiated by Emperor Maxentius.

The interpretation of the figures depicted in the mosaic has raised several questions. They have been seen as heralds(praecones), civil servants serving the state(apparitores) or charioteers. However, it seems certain that the building and those who ’lived’ there performed functions closely related to the Circus and related events. Some hypotheses suggest that the structure may have had a second floor, used as an imperial grandstand to watch circus performances.

Colosseum, the Schola of the Heralds of the Circus Maximus, on the Palatine, opens to the public

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