A new archeological museum in Rome is built around an ancient marble map that once hung on a wall in the Roman Forum as a guide to the temples and other buildings in the area.
The gigantic marble plan of Ancient Rome, which originally measured about 18 metres by 13 metres (18 yards by 13 yards) is laid out in a floor, with the remaining fragments, about 10% of the original map) visible through glass plates in the floor.
The map was created between 203 and 211 AD under Emperor Septimius Severus and was originally displayed on a wall of the Roman Forum. Rome’s cultural heritage chief explained the floor placement: “We decided to place it horizontally to give the chance to have the feeling to walk in the ancient city of Rome.”
The Museo della Forma Urbis, or Museum of the Form of the City was opened last week by Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri, along with an adjoining archaeological park. Both are part of a bigger project to develop the hilly area around the central hills of ancient Rome.
