Archaeological Area of the Palatine

( area archeologica del palationo )

 

Through the analysis of several exceptional findings on the Palatine Hill we may reconstruct the development of many aspects of the ancient city.

The archaeological evidence takes us from the first settlements of huts, dating back to the 8th century BC (a date which coincides with the traditional date for the founding of Rome by Romulus in 754-753 BC) down through the archaic and republican ages.

The former is represented by fortification walls and drainage works, the latter by sumptuous dwellings, such as the House of the Gryphons, "Aula Isiaca", House of Livia and House of Augustus, and by temples, such as the Temple of Magna Mater and the Temple of Apollo.

Finally, the evidence documents the imperial and late ancient periods.

The Palatine Hill was the residence of choice of the emperors.

Important examples are: Nero's Domus Transitoria; the Domus Tiberiana, with its annexes in the direction of the Forum of Caligula and Domitian, the Domus Flavia and the Domus Augustana (respectively the public and private reception areas of the grandiose palace of the emperors of the gens flavia) and the subsequent extensions of these made towards the valley of the Circus Maximus (what are known as the Baths of Severus, the Schola Praeconum or "House of the Heralds" and the Paedagogium, or school of the imperial pages).

Other remains go right down to the period of restoration under Theodoric and to the decline and final abandonment of the site in the Middle Ages.

In the Renaissance period the hill was home to the villas of the wealthy, such as the Mattei and Farnese families.

The latter was responsible for the creation of the magnificent Farnese Gardens on the north-west part of the hill, the remains of which extend on top of the remains of the palaces of Tiberius and Caligula.

 

Palatine Museum

 

The Palatine Antiquarium is located in the Palace of the Caesars and contains material from the Iron-age tombs and works of art from the Augustan complex and the emperors residences.

These include the painted decoration from the "Aula Isiaca".

Information and Addresses

Address Piazza S. Maria Nova, 53

Visiting Hours Every day from 8-30 am to an hour before sunset

Price € 9,00; concessions € 4,50

 

 

 

For Tours information – private guided tours – special entrances, no waiting in line - VIP services

www.tourinrome.com www.vaticanmuseuminformation.com  www.vaticanmuseumticket.com