ProQuest Dissertations - Historia Antigua

more often in the Eastern Aegean, for example at Cos, Delos, and Rhodes.This use ofHellenistic spatial arrangement may indicate that this complex, too, was designed by aGreek architect, although with continued use of local, traditional architectural forms. 67The implications are that this cult and temple was not a direct Roman imposition so muchas it implies that the Fregellans were following Greek tradition, perhaps with the help of aGreek craftsman, who nevertheless incorporated local traditions.The date of the monumental Aesculapius complex is debated, although the debateis only between periods falling within the first half of the second century BCE. The cruxof the argument is whether it was built before or after the Samnite and Paeligni colonistsjoined Fregellae in 177 BCE. Based on the first-style painting in the portico, Coarelli/TOplaces the date in the mid-second century or a little before.This date would correspondwith a continued state of economic prosperity following the influx of Samnite andPaeligni colonists. Monti argues instead that the date should be placed in the earlysecond century, just after 190 BCE, because of similarities to the temple of Veiovis in theCampidoglio in Rome. 69If this is the case, Monti argues, perhaps Aesculapius wasintroduced into Fregellae after the elites came into contact with the deity during the firstSyrian War. 70This would be contemporary with the monumentalization of the forum,which also shows influence from the Greek East. The debate is essentially whether56 Monti (1999), pp. 38-39; Maggi and Troso (2007), p. 264.67 Monti (1999), p. 39.68 Coarelli (1998), p. 62; Monti (1999), p. 40.69 Monti (1999), pp. 49-50. Monti cites the same plan, same feast days (p. 49, n. 93; Livy 34.53.7, CIL I 2pp. 231, 305; et ai), same proximity to water, and the association of Apollo to Veiovis. Maggi and Troso(2007), p. 264, also follow this date.70 Monti (1999), p. 50. Maggi and Troso (2007), p. 264, associate the cult at Fregellae with the importationof Aesculapius to Rome in 291 BCE.166