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Museum of the Parthian-Conquering Second Legion: the daily life of legionaries in Albano Laziale
The Museo del II Legio Parthica is located in Albano Laziale, a few miles from Rome along the Via Appia. It is housed in the substructures of the Great Baths of Caracalla, and illustrates the everyday life of a Roman legion.
A camp at the 15th mile of the Appian Way
The Second Parthian Legion was created by Emperor Septimius Severus to fight the Parthians, and stationed at the Castra Albana, at the 15th mile of the old Appian Way, where modern-day Albano now stands. Among the artefacts found during excavations: the tuff altar of Cassius Severianus, a high-ranking legionary; an important fragmentary slab bearing the names of discharged soldiers and their cities of origin — mostly from Dacia and Thrace — and a greave (shin protection).
Everyday objects and military burials
There is no shortage of everyday items. Cooking vessels, amphorae for wine, oil and garum, coins and dice. Lead tokens for the amphitheatre and bricks stamped before firing with the inscription LIIP (Legio Secunda Parthica) or LIIPS (Legio Secunda Parthica Severiana). Six life-size mannequins reconstruct the complete armament. Among the most distinctive pieces are the cupae: barrel-shaped sarcophagus lids made of tuff, often inscribed, used to bury legionaries and their family members in the burial sites around Albano.
Practical information
The museum is located in Via Volontari del Sangue 6/8, Albano Laziale (RM).
