Museo Civico della Seconda Legione Partica

The Civic Museum of the Second Parthica Legion interprets Albano Laziale's Roman fortress and the finds recovered from the Castra Albana, where Septimius Severus stationed the legion.

Why it matters

Septimius Severus raised Legio II Parthica in 196–197 for his wars against the Parthians. Around 202, the legion received a permanent base at Albano, an unusual posting for an imperial unit. The museum presents the legion and the material culture of its camp, giving context to the scattered Roman remains around the town.

What to notice

Objects excavated in the camp and its monuments document the daily life of the garrison and the town that grew around it. The museum also coordinates the civic monument circuit, which includes the catacombs of San Senatore, the Cisternoni, the amphitheatre, Porta Praetoria, the mausoleum of the Orazii and Curiatii and the Rotonda.

Context and history

Albano's civic museums bring together archaeological collections at different sites, including the historic collection at neoclassical Villa Ferraioli. The legion museum is based at Palazzo Savelli, the town hall. Its work interpreting the Castra Albana connects the museum's collections with the remains of the legionary camp across the city.