The wooden Teatro Farnese by Giovanni Battista Aleotti (also known as the Argenta) was built in the original Sala d'Arme in the Palazzo della Pilotta. It was constructed for Ranuccio I Farnese in 1618 to celebrate Cosimo II de' Medici's stay in Parma. The theatre became an example for its uniqueness, from the very structure with its moveable scenery to the machinery which could lift performers into the air, and also for the ingenious system which flooded the theatre so that nautical battles could be staged.