Doric Capital

Doric-order capital preserved for approximately two thirds of its original form. At the top, the abacus—the quadrangular slab that supported the building’s architrave—appears relatively tall and well proportioned. Beneath it develops the echinus, the curved section of the capital, which has a sinuous shape, not particularly flattened, with two linear incisions at its base. At the lower section, intended for the attachment to the column shaft, deep and sharply angled grooves are visible.

The original building to which this capital belonged is unknown. It was found during excavations of the semicircular theatre (emiciclo-teatro) in 1969, within a layer of abandonment inside one of the apses located behind the stage. However, the material and the curvature of the echinus allow it to be attributed to a Greek-period building connected with the Sybaris phase (720–510 BC), most likely of a public nature, given the size of the capital and the care invested in its workmanship. Compared to earlier Doric capitals, this example shows greater attention to proportion and symmetry: the echinus is more softly rounded, and the transition toward the abacus appears more harmonious. It nevertheless remains a clear expression of the austerity and robustness typical of Archaic Doric style. The surface shows no carved decoration, yet the overall execution highlights the high level of craftsmanship achieved by artisans of the period.