The Archaeological Museum of Ancient Capua, located in the town of Santa Maria Capua Vetere, in Northern Campania, houses many findings from excavations in the area of the old town of Capua which Cicero called “Altera Roma”, one of the largest cities of the Roman time.
The building hosting the archaeological museum is organized in different rooms and it offers a wide variety of findings spanning from the Bronze Age to the Iron Age and to the Etruscan and Roman times.
Close to the Museum is a very interesting Mithraeum, an underground room which was originally used as a temple dedicated to Mithras. The building, which is 23 meters long and 3 meters wide, was built during the 2nd century and it was the place where worshippers were initiated. The seven grades of the Mithraic mysteries were painted under the vaulted ceiling of the temple but their remains are not in good conditions. The frescoes representing the god killing the bull is still well preserved and it is very beautiful. Many seats for the worshippers of the Mithraic mysteries are aligned along the walls.
This tour can be associated with a visit to the Roman Amphitheater which is the second largest in Italy.
Please do not hesitate to contact me for a guided tour with a qualified tourist guide: belsannino@gmail.com
© 2021 Maria Sannino
Dr Maria Sannino 