Ostia Antica in Cittΰ metropolitana di Roma Capitale, Latium, Rome, Italy — Central Italy (Tyrrhenian Coast)
Ninfeo degli Eroti
⎯⎯⎯
Nymphaeum of the Erotes
(Reg. IV, Is. IV, 1)
Inscription.
Questo ninfeo monumentale, costruito nel IV secolo d.C., si presenta come un ambiente unico a pianta quadrata, chiuso e rivestito integralmente da lastre marmoree, le quali davano risalto ai giochi d'acqua che fuoriuscivano da un labrum (bacino), posto all'interno di una vasca centrale quadrata. Le pareti laterali del ninfeo presentavano due nicchie rettangolari, in cui erano collocate altrettante statue marmoree, copie romane di un tipo attribuito allo scultore greco Lisippo raffigurante Eros che incorda l'arco, oggi nel Museo Ostiense. Sulla parete di fondo invece era ricavata una nicchia semicircolare. abbellita forse da una statua di Venere.
The monumental nymphaeum, built in the 4th century AD, takes the form of a single square room, closed and completely covered in marble panels, which provided a backdrop for the jets of water that gushed from a labrum (basin) set inside a central square pool. The side walls of the nymphaeum had two rectangular niches, each with a marble statue placed inside it. These were Roman copies of a type attributed to the Greek sculptor Lysippus depicting Eros stringing his bow and are now in the Museo Ostiense. In the back wall was a semi-circular niche, perhaps adorned with a statue of Venus.
Erected by Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Arts, Letters, Music.
Location. 41° 45.198′ N, 12° 17.346′ E. Marker is in Ostia Antica, Lazio (Latium, Rome), in Cittΰ metropolitana di Roma Capitale. It is on Viale degli Scavi. The marker is in Ostia Antica Archaeological Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ostia Antica, Lazio 00119, Italy. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, the Schengen Area, a coastal Mediterranean country, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Byzantine Empire and specifically also the Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Terme del Foro / Baths of the Forum (a few steps from this marker); L'Area Centrale e i Complessi di Rappresentanza / The Central Area and the Official Complexes (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Terme del Foro / Baths of the Forum (within shouting distance of this marker); Tempio di Roma e Augusto / Temple of Rome and Augustus (within shouting distance of this marker); Latrine Presso le Terme del Foro / Toilets near the Baths of the Forum (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named L'Area Centrale e i Complessi di Rappresentanza / The Central Area and the Official Complexes (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Capitolium (about 120 meters away); Thermopolium di Via di Diana (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ostia Antica.
Also see . . . Nymphaeum of the Erotes.
Excerpt: "The Nymphaeum of the Erotes is a closed, almost square room (8.00 x 8.00), that was entered from the east, from the Cardo Maximus. It was built in the first quarter of the fifth century (opus latericium and vittatum)."(Submitted on August 12, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 74 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 12, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.


