Room 2 Theater and Society
Commemorative Lintels
This room will bring the visitor to the knowledge of the functions of the theater in antiquity, as well as its recreational function the theater building is the ideal framework for political and religious propaganda of Augustus himself, personified in the Roman Theater in Cartagena for the dedication of lintels entering the building to the two young princes, Gaius and Lucius Caesars grandchildren of Augustus and his virtual heirs, who also had to participate in its financing, and probably in choosing your ornamental program.
A decorative program full of ideological messages among which the introduction of cults to the traditional deities of the Roman state through three altars where the symbols of the Capitoline Triad, presiding over the central parts of the room are represented. Emblems of Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, an eagle with outstretched wings, peacock profile and an owl, take on a special role because of its size and careful execution. Complete the composition on each altar a procession of three young girls in a walking position or dance. For the quality of its reliefs are considered to be the work of any of the neoáticos workshops set up in Rome in the late first century BC
Other messages may discern in the room with the contemplation of the sculpture of Apollo I Citaredo, protector god of the performing arts, but also revered by Augustus, become their protector god after the victory of Actium in 31 BC, or the relief of a reclining female figure we have interpreted as Rea Silvia, whose iconography was widely promoted by the emperor in his monumental architecture.
As in other Roman cities also they participated in funding members of the most prominent families of the city, among which include L. Iunius Paetus, who dedicated an altar in honor of Gaius Caesar and another Fortune of the emperor, and Postumii , who dedicated a pedestal Lucius Caesar. The contemplation of these pieces allows visitors to understand the keys of the patronage and political promotion in ancient times, whose contents are expanded in the interactive room.
