Antiquarium del Teatro Antico
Museum | Taormina | Sicily | Italy
The Antiquarium of the Ancient Theater in Taormina, Sicily, is a small archaeological museum located in the former guardhouse of the ancient theater. It houses a collection of artifacts discovered during excavations in the theater complex.
Collections and exhibits:
Some of the notable exhibits include:
Inscriptions and epigraphs: Some of the most significant finds are inscriptions dated between the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. These include the "Tavola degli Strateghi", listing the names of magistrates, and the "Tavola dei Ginnasiarchi", containing records of the gymnasium's management.
Sarcophagus: A small, oval marble sarcophagus, presumably for a child, decorated with Bacchus scenes, was discovered in 1839 in the garden of a former Franciscan monastery.
Statue bases: Several bases made of Taormina marble, including one dedicated to an athlete who won at the Olympic Games, and another honoring Caius Claudius Marcellus, a propraetor of the province of Sicily in 77 BC.
Significance:
The Antiquarium provides insight into the public life and administration of Taormina in ancient times. The exhibited inscriptions and artifacts allow for an understanding of the city's social and political structures, as well as the appreciation of the theater's importance as a cultural center.
Access and visit:
The Antiquarium is usually open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, and admission is free. It is located in close proximity to the ancient theater and can be visited together with it.
Overall, the Antiquarium del Teatro Antico is a valuable resource for understanding the ancient history and culture of Taormina, complementing the visit to the ancient theater with important historical contexts.
