Uploaded October 2021 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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The Octagonal Courtyard of the Pio-Clementine Museum houses the oldest and most storied part of the Vatican’s vast collection of Roman art. A few of the pieces displayed here are famous. But most – including some of the most fascinating Roman artifacts in any museum – are unknown. This video calls attention to these overlooked treasures.

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Chapters:
0:00 Introduction
0:54 Sarcophagus of Scipio Barbatus
1:34 Mummius Inscription
2:05 Harbor Relief
2:30 Sarcophagus of Varius Marcellus
3:00 Casali Altar
4:45 A wall of artifacts
5:27 Venus Felix
5:51 Amazonomachy Sarcophagus
6:43 A strange portrait
7:34 Molossian Dogs
8:07 Sarcophagus of a learned woman
8:30 An imperial sarcophagus
9:11 Laocoon, briefly
9:56 Conclusion

Thanks for watching!