Le catene metalliche nei portici del santuario di Apollo a Pompei: il restauro come aggiornamento tecnologico

This paper is part of a broader investigation into the restoration works carried out on the public buildings in the Forum of Pompeii after the earthquake of 62 AD. The contribution offers a new analysis of the post-seismic restoration works conducted on the trilithic structures of the Sanctuary of Apollo: after a brief review of the history of the monument, the analysis focuses on the restoration traces identified on the architectural elements of the portico and of the temple’s peristasis, whose detailed study revealed the adoption of new techniques of repairs, including the use of metal clamps and, most notably, iron reinforcement ties for the entablature. These sophisticated and innovative reinforcing systems are examined in the context of the wider technological transformations which marked Pompeii’s reconstruction phase and are further compared to similar devices employed in Roman architecture.