Tradizioni classiche in rivestimenti pavimentali di età medievale a Benevento

Opus sectile, a covering technique using polychrome marble inlays, inherited from the classical world, established itself as one of the main types of floors covering in medieval sacred buildings. In Benevento, some fragments of sectilia pavimenta are attested in the crypt of the Benevento cathedral of “Santa Maria de Episcopio” and in the basilica of St. Bartholomeo. The marble tessellated floor can be found in several places of the crypt: in the south nave, in the apsidal area and in the Mater Misericordiae chapel. It is partially lacunar with integrations in white marble. The inlays are cut in a regular pattern and are arranged in geometric motifs. Remains of opus sectile pavements emerged from the excavation in the area of the ancient basilica of St. Bartolomeo in Piazza Orsini, which collapsed in the 1702 earthquake. These sectilia present striking comparisons with pre-Cosmatesque floors from Campania and Southern Lazio. Through an analysis of the various sectilia pavimenta, two chronological phases can be hypothesised: one dating back to the Lombard period; the other to the 12th century. The floors with geometric motifs in the crypt refer to the Lombard phase. The Lombards relied on craftsmen who were acquainted with the classical sectilia technique and who also had experience with Byzantine and Eastern artistic cultures. The sectilia in the Mater Misericordiae chapel in the cathedral crypt and those in the basilica of St. Bartholomeo date back to the 12th century. The floors document the wealth of the Benevento Church which renovated and expanded the cathedral and the various buildings in the insula episcopalis during this period