The Portico of Octavia Library
Fa parte di Biblioteche pubbliche/Biblioteche pubbliche di Roma
Founder: Augustus
or Octavia ?
Date of foundation: after 23, before 11 BCE
Scheda letteraria
a cura di Marta Maria Perilli
DOI 10.35948/DILEF/Dalib/12
Rome’s third public library was built between 23 and 11 BCE at the
Portico of Octavia (reconstruction under Augustus of the former Portico of
Metellus). It is a matter of debate whether the founder was Augustus or
Octavia: the most plausible hypothesis is that Augustus funded the project and
Octavia brought it to completion, dedicating it to the memory of her son
Marcellus. C. Melissus, freedman of Augustus, was tasked with
putting together the library collection. It had a Greek section and a Latin
section, each with its own attendants. Damaged by the fire of 80 CE, it was
rebuilt under Domitian. After another fire, the Portico of Octavia was restored
again in 203 CE by Septimius Severus and Caracalla.
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