Pompeii - Gladiator Barracks

Gladiator Barracks from above

Reconstructed colonnade

Just east of the triangular forum are the gladiator barracks. Which is also where it started to rain, and I began to regret not bringing an overcoat.

The barracks actually started out as a public colonnaded walk connected with the large theatre. The idea (as mentioned by Vitruvius) was that one could take a stroll in said colonnade during intervals in-between performances (sort of like the colonnade and fountain in front of the Keller Auditorium (Portland, Oregon) or the plaza at Lincoln Center (NYC))  I imagine that it was probably another area full of people trying to flog you stuff too. Rat on a stick, roasted otters noses, genuine purple from Tyre (made in someones garden shed), lovely jewelry that would turn your fingers green, papyrus postcards, silly hats, that sort of general street bazaar thing one always sees in movies.Well maybe not in reality, but it’s just how my brain works.

Columns, looking towards theatre and odeon

The original function was lost after the colonnade suffered severe damage during the earthquake of 62 AD. It was then converted into barracks for the gladiators who fought at the amphitheater down the road.

This building has been heavily reconstructed for better or worse, though I must say it does look rather impressive. Part of the roof has been recreated forming a lovely shady spot in summer and a place out of the rain in winter. There are also restrooms here (remember that, you might need that information in an hour or so). Clean restrooms.

The seventy four columns are carved in the Doric fashion out of tufa, the lava rock of the region. Some of the few columns apparently not made out of brick and then covered in painted stucco. I can imagine there must have been some pretty brilliant graffiti around here.

Alex with tufa column in the gladiators barracks, regretting not bringing raincoat....