Logotype

The “Enchanted”, four marble columns, ornamented on both sides with repousse, whole mythological figures, of natural size. They are dated back to the middle 3rd century, or even earlier. They were part of the colonnade of a monument which was at the southern part of the contemporary square of the Roman Forum, very close to the Egnatia st. Until 1917, there was located a neighbourhood consisting of many narrow streets. The remainders of the colonnade were found in the yard of a house. The neighbours, most of them Spanish speaking Jews, called these figures "Las Incantadas", i.e. "The Enchanted". The Greeks called them "Ta Idola”, i.e. “The Idols".

Paleographist Emmanuel Miller removed the “Echanted” and carried them to France, in 1864 when he successfully bribed his way to the ottoman authorities.

In 1753, British painter James “Athenian” Stuart (1713-1788), along with architect Nicholas Revett (1720-1804), visited the house where the “Echanted” were placed. The scene was painted by Stuart in one of his famous paintings.

The “Enchanted” are on display at the LouvreMuseum, Room 27 dedicated to Greek, Roman and Etruscan antiquities.