University Museum A Domus do Mitreo facts for kids
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Established | March 22, 2018 |
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Location | Praza de Pío XII, 3 Lugo, Galicia (Spain), Spain |
Collections | Roman archeology, epigraphy, numismatics, ceramics, glass |
Architect | Felipe Peña |
Owner | University of Santiago de Compostela |
The University Museum A Domus do Mitreo (which means University Museum The House of the Mithraeum in Galician) is a special museum in Lugo, Spain. It was built on top of ancient Roman ruins, right next to the famous Roman walls of Lugo.
The museum gets its name, A Domus do Mitreo, from two amazing discoveries made when they were building it. Workers found the remains of a large Roman house, called a domus. Later, part of this house was changed into a Mithraeum, which was a special temple for worshipping a Roman god named Mithras. Because these old ruins were so important, the plans for the new building were changed to keep and show them off inside the museum.
Contents
Discovering Ancient Roman Lugo
The University Museum A Domus do Mitreo is more than just a place to see old things. It's built around the actual remains of a Roman house and temple. This makes it a unique window into what life was like in Lugo almost 2,000 years ago.
What is a Roman Domus?
A domus was a type of house where wealthy Roman families lived. It was usually a single-family home, often with many rooms built around an open courtyard. The domus found under the museum was a large and important one. It shows us how people lived, ate, and spent their time in Roman Lugo.
What was a Mithraeum?
A Mithraeum was a special kind of temple used by followers of the Roman god Mithras. This religion was popular among Roman soldiers and merchants. Mithraea were often built underground or designed to feel like caves. They were usually small and dark, used for secret meetings and ceremonies. Finding a Mithraeum in Lugo tells us about the different beliefs and cultures present in the Roman city.
How the Museum Was Built Around History
When the University of Santiago de Compostela planned to build a new building, they found these incredible Roman ruins. Instead of just building over them, they decided to change their plans. The new museum was designed to protect and display the domus and Mithraeum. This means visitors can walk through the museum and see the actual ancient structures right beneath their feet. It's like stepping back in time!
What You Can See at the Museum
The museum opened its doors on March 22, 2018. It's owned by the University of Santiago de Compostela. Inside, you can explore various collections that help tell the story of Roman Lugo.
Collections and Artifacts
The museum's collections focus on Roman history and archaeology. You can see many different types of objects:
- Roman archaeology: Tools, pottery, and other items from daily life.
- Epigraphy: Inscriptions carved into stone, like tombstones or public announcements. These give us clues about names, dates, and events.
- Numismatics: Ancient coins! Coins can tell us about emperors, trade, and the economy of the time.
- Ceramics: Pottery of all shapes and sizes, used for cooking, storage, and decoration.
- Glass: Beautiful glass objects, showing Roman craftsmanship.
These artifacts help us understand the people who lived in Lugo during the Roman Empire. They show us their art, their beliefs, and how they lived their lives.
Images for kids
See also
In Spanish: Museo Universitario A Domus do Mitreo para niños