Constanza Sánchez
This week, in the Madrid mazo guapo by Nieves Ortiz within the Buenos Días presented by Ely del Valle, we are heading to Alcalá de Henares, specifically to the Antiquarium, a newly inaugurated museum that takes us back to ancient Rome.
On two floors open to the public, over 600 pieces are exhibited, many of which come from excavations at the archaeological park of Complutum, depicting the lifestyle of the Romans who inhabited the area between the 1st and 5th centuries A.D.
It’s truly a comprehensive gallery that has been in the works for nearly 20 years and is now a reality after extensive archaeological work, documentation, and research.
Alcalá de Henares inaugurates the Antiquarium of the Roman City of Complutum
Inside, there are true gems, including a massive mosaic – The Victorious Auriga – discovered during construction work on the outskirts of the city in 1988, and a pictorial ensemble recovered from the House of the Griffins considered the best collection of Roman mural painting in the peninsula.
Additionally, there are pieces with uncertain origins, such as a Pudicizia sculpture, a virgin found in a tomb at the Old Cemetery of Alcalá in 1890. It is a unique piece in Spain, with similar examples only found in the Vatican Museums and Istanbul, and its exact date remains unknown.
Also mysterious are the contents of a pair of completely sealed jars from excavations at the so-called Auguraculum, a place where magic was practiced and the future was read through animal sacrifice entrails. Archaeologists have named the found jars Harry Pollos Why?
Remains of the ancient 14th-century wall of Alcalá found next to the Madrid Gate
In addition to some Romans’ connection to occult sciences, they had a rich intellectual life, and society was highly literate. Literature, art, were prominent in their culture, as were musical instruments like flutes, whistles, and bronze cymbals, indicating the precursors of flamenco.
This museum space delves into the city’s origin, its development in almost all fields, and its inhabitants, the complutenses, with a room dedicated to showcasing some of the most typical and prominent characters through videos and materials that narrate their stories.
Among others, there’s a doctor, a girl from a good family, a soldier, and even a slave, Flacilla, whose modern-day appearance is simulated.
The Roman history of Alcalá de Henares is unearthed in Complutum
The Antiquarium serves as the gateway to the archaeological park of Complutum, which includes spaces like the Forum, the House of the Griffins, and Hippolytus’ house, allowing us to immerse in the world of Classical Antiquity, the foundation of Alcalá, the region, and how Western culture organizes its way of life.
Every Saturday, there’s a free guided tour for the general public at 10:00 in the morning. (Capacity limited to 30 people – No need for prior reservation).
The Antiquarium is open every day except Mondays from 10:00 to 14:00 and from 16:00 to 18:00 in the winter schedule.
