Roman Capitel from Beja, Portugal

This composite capitel is one of many remains of the Roaman settlement *Pax Iulia* in modern-day Beja, Portugal. The capitel is featured in the Regional Museum of Beja. It consists of two overlapping marble blocks, with the maximum dimensions of 1 m in height, with the length and width 1,7 m and 1,6m, respectively. The capitel shows remarkable plastic expression with great details in its design, in addition to bringing two distinct styles together, the ionic and the Corinthian. Decorative elements include acanthus leaves, stems, rosettes and helices. The capitel probably belonged to an important building, most likely the Triumphal Arch that was situated at east end of the forum. There is also a possibility that it might have belonged to edifices of Curia or the Capitol. This type of capitals can be dated from the end of the 1st century until beginning of the 3rd century AD. For more information see: Ribeiro, M. A. B. S., 1999. *Capitéis Romanos de Beja*. Câmara Municipal de Beja.