The Mamertine prison (or Tullian prison, in Latin Carcer or Tullianum) is an ancient prison, the oldest in Rome[1], and is located in the Roman Forum.
It was the symbolic prison for illustrious prisoners of ancient Rome and it is no coincidence that it is located in a very central area, close to the Via Sacra in the Forum. It has hosted in shackles, for about a thousand years, the great enemies of the people and the state, the great vanquished and the great traitors of Rome: from the king of the Samnites Pontius, to the king of the Gauls Vercingetorix, from Peter the apostle to the conspirators of Catiline.
It consisted of two superimposed floors of caves dug on the southern slopes of the Capitol, next to the Gemonie Stairs for this called Stairs of Sighs, towards the Comitium. [2] The deepest dates back to the archaic age (VIII-VII century BC) and was dug into the walls of the royal age that - within the Servian walls - protected the Capitol; the second, subsequent and overlapping, is of the Republican age. Underneath it all, an ancient source that still exists.
The complex is located today under the church of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami, of the sixteenth century, in the area of the Forum where, in Roman times, justice was administered.
The Tullianum, the deepest level of the prison, was built, according to Livy, under Anco Marzio in the seventh century BC. The name derives from tullus (pool of water), although some derive it from some traditions that link it to the initiative of Servius Tullius or Tullus Hostilius. [2]
The upper floor was built in the sixth century BC, and restored several times, until, in the early imperial age, the current façade was built. [3]
On the frame of the façade of the early imperial age are engraved the names of Caius Vibius Rufinus and Marcus Cocceius Nerva, who intervened on the monument in the year of their consulate (22 AD). [4]
The Christianization of the complex can be dated around the eighth century, a period to which the traces of a fresco found in the Tullianum date back, and both rooms were converted into chapels. In this same period the place began to be called Mamertine Prison. [5]
The site is now a museum that can be visited and owned by the Vicariate of Rome. [3]
My name is Eric Clark and I am a world traveler. I have been around the world a few times and decided to help fund my travels by sharing my videos and pictures. I have been to almost every country and would be glad to give tips and pointers. Drop me a note. = )