Samnite Palaestra

Samnite Palaestra

 

 

Address: Regio VIII

 

Samnite PalaestraSamnite Palaestra or Palestra was built in the 2nd century BC. to the order of the duumvir Vivius Vinicius during the Samnite reign. During archaeological excavations, an inscription in Oskan language was discovered at this place, which said that the building was built by the duumvir Vivius Vinicius for the money that Vibius Adiranus spent on the benefit of the youth of Pompeii. From here comes the name of this attraction. Samnite Palaestra was an ancient Roman stadium where residents could exercise. Three sides of Samnite Palaestra are surrounded by porticos (10 columns in length and 5 columns in width). After an earthquake of 62 years, the columns on the fourth east side were removed, revealing the view of the Temple of Isis. Here they built a triumphal pedestal of tuffs. Winners award ceremonies were held here. According to the works of the famous historian and archeologist Augustus Mau, on a pedestal was a statue of the god, the patron saint of Samnite Palaestra. During the celebration of the athletes, the judges put olive wreaths on the winners head, and the athletes in turn wreaths on the statue's head as a blessing to their victory. Unfortunately, the statue of God has not survived to this day. Apparently the wave broke it into small pieces. Although of course it could have been stolen by later bricklayers. Another statue stood on the south side of Palaestra and it was preserved. Today it is kept in the National Archaeological Museum of Naples.

Samnite Palaestra  Samnite Palaestra  Samnite Palaestra

During the Roman period, Pompeii grew in size and the Samnite Palestra could no longer accommodate the entire population of the city. Therefore, the authorities of Pompeii built the Great Palestra to accommodate everyone.