Maritime Theater:

Teatro Maritimo


 

Figure 1 (MT image)
Figure 1: The view from the NW
Adapted from: www.dartmouth.edu/~classics/rome2005/updates/week9_10/nov14.html

 

Hadrian was known to have borne an interest in art and architecture; it is thought that he not only studied these subjects within the Maritime Theater but that he also used this knowledge to participate in its design and structural plan (1).  The result was a villa within a villa, a private retreat for the emperor.  Also known as the Island Villa, this complex was complete with practical and more luxurious amenities (Figure 1).

MARITIME THEATER PLAN:
Ionic unfluted columns were positioned in a circular portico around a 4.8 meter wide moat (2).  From grooves in the white marble lining of the moat, scholars have predicted that two wooden bridges were positioned by the northern entrance during Hadrian’s time (1).  These bridges would have allowed access to the central island but could also be removed to afford the emperor privacy (1). 


 

The Island:

Figure 2 (plan)
Figure 2: Plan of Maritime Theater.  A: entrance; B: walkways; C: atrium; D: tablinum or triclinium; E: 2 cubicola; F: bath complex (2)

The structures on the island were positioned to maximize the usable space (Figure 2). After crossing the moat via the wooden drawbridge walkways (labeled B),  one would encounter the entrance vestibule (labeled A) (2).  It is from the frieze of this structure, decorated with marine images, that the Maritime Theater draws its name (2).  Moving clockwise to the east, two cubicula, or bedrooms, provided living space (labeled E).  These rooms were classified on the basis of remaining alcoves, upon which a bed would be positioned (1).  In the southern position directly opposite the entrance, the structure labeled D may have been a room used by Hadrian for studying and displaying art (tablinum), or a dining space (triclinium).  A bath complex (labeled F), consisting of both cold (a frigidarium) and heated regions, occupied much of the west! ern section.  In the center stood an atrium with small garden and possibly a fountain structure (labeled C). Even a latrine (unlabeled) was fit into the small circular island (3). 

 


 

CONCLUSIONS:
The Maritime Theater was truly a villa within a villa.  Hadrian created his own ideal domus; with the removal of the portable wooden drawbridges, he could be inaccessible.  The organization of the various structures listed above within the confines of the circular island space, as well as the Greek stylistic touches (in the ionic portico, for example) are telling of Hadrian’s own architectural interests.   The Maritime Theater remains even today a unique microcosm, an Island Villa both functional and sophisticatedly designed.
             


                                                                                 
FOOTNOTES
1.Adembri, Benedetta, "Hadrian's Villa", Martellago (Venice): Mondadori Electa S.p.A. , 2005.

2.Dent, Craig and Brian Meyers, “Dartmouth Foreign Study Program Rome 2005: Weekly Updates Nov 14,” Available URL: http://www.dartmouth.edu/~classics/rome2005/updates/week9_10/nov14.html (April 15, 2006).

3.“Images of Hadrian’s Villa, Tivoli, Italy: Maritime Theater,” Available url: http://www.bluffton.edu/~sullivanm/italy/tivoli/hadrian'svilla/hadrian3.html (April 15, 2006).