Theatre of Marcellus
- Codice: 01385
- Regione: Lazio
- Provincia: Roma
- Comune: Roma
- Località/quartiere: Campitelli
- Localizzazione specifica: Via del Teatro di Marcello
- Tipo: Architecture
- Coordinate geografiche: 41.892004° N 12.479935° E
Abstract
Built in the first century B.C. on the south-western flank of the Capitoline Hill, this immense theatre actually served as the main model for the Colosseum which was built 85 years later. Julius Caesar initiated the construction but it was completed by his successor, Augustus, who named it after his nephew and adopted son Marcellus. A paradigmatic example of stratification can be seen from the clash of architectural styles between the huge arches of the ancient theatre and the early 16th century palace. In the 1520’s a palazzo was built on the ancient theatre by the Savelli family and then it became the property of the Orsini family.
