Palatine Hill: Aristocratic Residences and Imperial Palaces

Hello, little explorers! We are about to discover the Palatine Hill, the most famous hill of ancient Rome. This is considered the heart of the eternal city: according to legend, it was right here that Romulus founded Rome. More than two thousand years ago, emperors and Roman nobles lived here in villas surrounded by gardens, fountains, and colorful mosaics. Are you ready to start? Let's begin!

Once Upon a Time on the Palatine: Introduction to the Hill Where Rome Was Born

Hello little explorers! Welcome to the Palatine Hill: the hill where Rome was born. The Palatine is one of the seven hills upon which the city is built, and it is said that Romulus, the founder of Rome, drew a furrow in the ground to mark its boundaries on April 21st, 753 BC. However, beware: his brother Remus dared to cross that boundary... and an enraged Romulus killed him, thus beginning the history of Rome. Many, many years later, when Rome was already a great Republic, the wealthiest families began to build their homes on the Palatine. But it was with Augustus, the first emperor, that the hill became truly significant: he built his residence near a large temple dedicated to the god Apollo, to show everyone that his power was also blessed by the gods. After Augustus, other emperors – such as Tiberius, Nero, and Domitian – transformed the Palatine into a gigantic palace complex with gardens, fountains, and magnificent halls. Next to these luxurious palaces, there was still a simple and modest hut: it was the hut of Romulus, which was regularly rebuilt and preserved to remind everyone that Rome was born from something small, yet with great aspirations. Even the word “palace” we use today derives from “Palatine”! Walking here among the ruins of the Palatine, you traverse a true palimpsest of history, where each artifact tells the story of the evolution of Roman power.

Domus Augustana: The Private Residence of the Emperor

Hello little explorers! We are in the most secluded area of the grand imperial palace on the Palatine Hill. This area is called the Domus Augustana, and it was the true home of the emperor, where he lived and spent his time away from official ceremonies. It was built by Emperor Domitian, between the years 81 and 92 AD, as part of a significant project to beautify the entire Palatine Hill. It was designed by a renowned architect named Rabirius. The Domus Augustana was constructed on two floors: the upper floor, where the emperor's private rooms and halls overlooking splendid hanging gardens were located; the lower floor, built around a large courtyard with columns, porticoes, and a beautiful octagonal fountain, the remains of which can still be seen. The floors were decorated with colored marbles, and the walls were covered with precious materials like alabaster and red porphyry, which only emperors could use. Everything was designed to showcase not only wealth but also the almost sacred power of the emperor. It is said that Domitian was very suspicious. The writer Suetonius recounts that he often walked alone under the porticoes and had highly polished stones placed on the walls to see who was behind him. But not even this saved him: in 96 AD, he was killed in a conspiracy. After him, other emperors also used this residence. Hadrian, for instance, loved to discuss art and philosophy in the gardens, while the eccentric Commodus organized private shows with exotic animals that suddenly appeared from secret hideouts!

Temple of Apollo: The God of Sun and Music

Here we find ourselves in a very special place for ancient Rome: right beneath our feet lie the remains of the Temple of Apollo, built by Octavian, the future Emperor Augustus. It all began in 36 BC, when Octavian—who was not yet emperor—had to face a naval battle against a very strong enemy. After the victory, Octavian had the temple constructed right next to his house here on the Palatine Hill. But why Apollo? Apollo was a god from Greece, the protector of light, music, healing, and prophecies. He was not among the main deities of Rome, but Octavian chose him deliberately: he wanted to appear different from other leaders, more serious, wise, and a harbinger of peace. Just like Apollo! The Temple of Apollo was completed in 28 BC and was entirely built in white marble, with elegantly decorated columns. There were also two libraries, one for books written in Latin and one for those in Greek. Great poets like Virgil and Horace came here to read and study. This place also housed the statue of the Cumaean Sibyl, a prophetess who was said to be able to foresee the future, and the Sibylline Books, used by the senators during difficult times for Rome. Today, only some remains of this temple can be seen, such as pieces of columns and marble, but once upon a time, the idea of a new emperor and a new Rome was born here.

Stadium of Domitian: Between Races and Imperial Games

Welcome to the Stadium of Domitian, one of the most fascinating places on the Palatine Hill! Although it is called a "stadium," actual competitions with spectators, as we see in modern stadiums, did not take place here. This site was, in fact, a grand private garden built by Emperor Domitian around 85 AD, right next to his palace. Domitian had a penchant for sports and elegant palaces; thus, he decided to create a garden in the shape of a hippodrome—resembling a race track—where he could stroll or organize games for a select few guests. The stadium was 160 meters long and 50 meters wide. Surrounding it was a colonnade with marble columns, and along the walls, there were statues of athletes and gods, which lent an elegant and somewhat magical atmosphere to the environment. Although it resembled a space for playing or racing, it essentially served to display the emperor's power. Only the most important guests were allowed entry here! After Domitian's death, the new emperor Nerva chose not to use the stadium, as it reminded him too much of his predecessor. Thus, this garden became a quiet place, more symbolic than practical.

Domus Transitoria: Nero's Secret Villa

Welcome to the Domus Transitoria, the first grand house of Emperor Nero! We are around 54 A.D., and Nero has just become emperor. He had grand dreams and decided to build this house between the Palatine Hill and the Esquiline, connecting his properties with a private passageway. This allowed him to move from one part of the city to another without ever stepping into the crowd! The name "Domus Transitoria" literally means "transitory house." But it was no ordinary house: it was stunning, with colorful marbles, water features, and refined decorations. Unfortunately, in 64 A.D., a great fire destroyed much of Rome... and the Domus Transitoria also went up in flames. But from those ruins arose an even more incredible idea: the Domus Aurea, Nero's most famous house. Today, only a few remnants of this first residence remain, but they help us imagine how luxurious and original life must have been in the emperor's palace.

Neronian Cryptoporticus: The Emperor's Secret Passage

Hey explorers, welcome to one of the most mysterious places on the Palatine Hill: the Neronian Cryptoporticus! This somewhat complex name refers to a long underground corridor, built during the era of Emperor Nero. It stretches approximately 130 meters and winds its way beneath the hill like a hidden labyrinth! What was its purpose? It was a sort of secret passage that linked the Domus Transitoria (one of Nero's residences) with other parts of the palace. This way, the emperor could move around unseen, sheltered from rain or the intense summer sun. It is said that Nero loved walking here during the hottest hours of the day, perhaps chatting with his friends or simply to find some coolness. At one time, the walls were adorned with colorful frescoes, stuccoes, and precious marbles... today, only a few traces remain, but enough to imagine how splendid it once was! The Cryptoporticus remained hidden for centuries until one day in the 19th century, during excavations, a pickaxe blow accidentally opened a gap in the ground... and archaeologists discovered this secret tunnel, which had remained silent for almost two thousand years!

Romulus' Hut: The First King of Rome

Guys, let's stop here! We have arrived at the House of Romulus! According to legend, Romulus was the founder of Rome, and this small hut marks the very spot where the city was born. Even though emperors lived in enormous and luxurious palaces, this simple mud and straw construction was revered with great respect. During certain festivals, priests would decorate the door with flowers and garlands to remind everyone of the humble origins of the city. What you see today is a reconstruction, made based on the accounts of ancient writers. A curious fact? It is said that during the great fire of Rome in 64 AD, as flames devoured the city, Emperor Nero sang verses about the burning of Troy... right while the hut was also ablaze. Archaeologists have indeed found remains of very ancient huts in this area, dating back to the 8th century BC, precisely the era in which Romulus is said to have lived!

Temple of Magna Mater: Dedicated to the Great Mother of the Gods

Welcome to the remains of the Temple of Magna Mater, the "Great Mother"! This temple was dedicated to Cybele, a very ancient goddess worshiped in Asia. In 204 B.C., Rome was fighting against Hannibal and his elephants, and the priests, consulting magical books called the Sibylline Books, declared that only the arrival of the goddess Cybele would save the city. Thus, from a very distant place, a black stone symbolizing the goddess was brought to Rome. One of the most famous stories is that of Claudia Quinta, a priestess unjustly accused. She proved her innocence by single-handedly pulling the goddess's ship using only her hands' strength! Although people initially found the rites of this cult strange, over time it became very important. The goddess's festivals, called Megalesia, were filled with music, dances, and performances, attended by both nobles and common people. Emperor Augustus restored the temple after a fire, making it even more beautiful. Today, the few remaining ruins remind us of how Rome was capable of embracing foreign deities, integrating them into its history.

The House of the Griffins

Here we are at the House of the Griffins, one of the oldest and best-preserved houses from Republican Rome, hidden right under the Palatine Hill! This house is named after the griffins, fantastic creatures that are half eagle and half lion, which you can still see in the stucco decorations today. They were symbols of strength and protection. The walls are adorned with beautiful frescoes in a style known as the Second Pompeian Style. Here, artists would pretend to construct columns, windows, and fake landscapes, all painted to appear real. The colors? Pompeian red, Egyptian blue, golden ochre... they still shine brightly after more than two thousand years! In 1912, archaeologists discovered this house while excavating beneath the imperial palaces. They also found ceramics and everyday objects, which tell us about life before the emperors. The House of the Griffins is a true window into the past, when Rome was governed by great families and not a single emperor.

The Domus Flavia: The Palace of Imperial Celebrations

Welcome to the Domus Flavia, the grand palace where Emperor Domitian would receive important guests, conduct official meetings, and host very elegant parties. It was constructed between 81 and 85 AD and was meant to impress everyone: the architecture was designed so that anyone arriving would feel very small in the face of the emperor's power! The most important hall was the Aula Regia, the Throne Room: imagine a vast room filled with colorful marbles, where Domitian sat on a high throne, as if he were a god. Everything was designed to demonstrate how powerful he was. Near it were other important rooms: the Lararium, where prayers were offered for the imperial family; the Triclinium, a gigantic dining hall for state banquets; and even a Basilica, where Domitian acted as a judge! Some historians recount that the emperor was very suspicious... so much so that he used mirrors and polished marbles to check if anyone was moving behind him. The Domus Flavia was not just a home, but a kind of theater of power, where everything served to make clear who really ruled in Rome!

Elagabalium: The Sanctuary for a God from Afar

Here we are at the Elagabalium, a temple built by a young emperor named Elagabalus, who ascended to the throne when he was only 14 years old. Elagabalus came from Syria, and ancient sources depict him as an eccentric ruler who brought the cult of a sun god named El-Gabal to Rome, represented by a black conical stone, possibly a meteorite! This stone was placed in the temple, and this act was interpreted as an intolerable replacement of traditional deities in favor of an Eastern god, angering many Romans. The ceremonies were very colorful and different from Roman ones: with music, dances, and oriental clothes. But his story ended soon: at just 18 years old, he was killed by his own soldiers, and his temple was then rededicated to Jupiter, the most important god for the Romans. The temple you see today is a reminder of a young and bold emperor who tried to change everything... perhaps too quickly!

The Domus Tiberiana

Welcome to the Domus Tiberiana, the first true imperial residence of Rome, built by Tiberius, the successor of Augustus. This palace is situated in a perfect position: from here you could overlook the Roman Forum and the Circus Maximus, as if to say: “I command all of Rome!” Tiberius was very reserved and it is said that he had secret passages constructed, both above and underground, to move around without being seen. Later, Emperor Caligula expanded the palace so much that it reached into a temple! Some stories say that he would appear from the temple as if he were a deity himself. Over time, the Domus Tiberiana was incorporated into other imperial constructions, eventually becoming part of a huge complex that covered the entire Palatine Hill. What we see today are the substructures, or the gigantic foundations that were used to build enormous terraces. A true masterpiece of Roman engineering!

Domus Augustea: The First Residence of Young Octavian

The Domus Augustea was the residence of Emperor Octavian Augustus, the first emperor of Rome. It was located on the southern slope of the Palatine Hill. Despite his great power, Augustus chose to live in a relatively simple house to avoid appearing like a king. Indeed, the Romans disliked the idea of having a king after having expelled the last one centuries earlier. Although it appeared modest, the house was nonetheless significant: it became the model for future imperial residences. Near the house stood the Temple of Apollo, built in 28 BC. It was directly connected to the residence. This connection between the house and the temple demonstrated the union between political power and religion, a typical characteristic of Augustus' empire. Inside the house, there are still frescoes featuring mythological images, typical of the so-called Second Pompeian Style. After Augustus' death in 14 AD, the house was preserved as a site of memory and visited by many people. For centuries, other emperors decided to reside on the Palatine, following Augustus' example. Today, we can see parts of the Domus Augustea thanks to the excavations beneath the Farnese Gardens.

House of Livia: The Empress’s Refuge

The House of Livia is located in the northwest part of the Palatine Hill and is attributed to Livia Drusilla, the wife of Emperor Augustus. Livia was a highly influential woman, and some ancient historians suggest that she played a significant role in the selection of her son Tiberius as emperor. There were also rumors that she might have poisoned some family members, but there is no concrete evidence. This house is particularly renowned for its stunning frescoes, which were created at the end of the 1st century BC and remain well-preserved to this day. They are primarily found in the triclinium, or dining room, and depict painted gardens, columns, and mythological decorations. These paintings were not merely decorative; they were intended to convey messages of wealth, harmony, and prosperity, aligning with Livia's image as a wise and powerful woman.

The Lupercal and the She-Wolf that Saved Rome

Here we are at the final stop of our journey! The Lupercale was a sacred cave at the foot of the Palatine Hill and is considered the place where, according to legend, the she-wolf nursed Romulus and Remus, the twin founders of Rome. This cave was transformed into a sanctuary and became one of the symbols of the city's sacred origins. Every year, on February 15th, the Lupercalia were celebrated, festivals dedicated to purification and fertility. Emperor Augustus was very attached to the Lupercale: he restored the sanctuary and participated in the ceremonies to show that he too was a “new Romulus,” meaning a founder of Imperial Rome. The fact that the cave was near his house on the Palatine further reinforced this connection. In 2007, some archaeologists claimed to have found the very Lupercale beneath the house of Augustus: a room decorated with mosaics, shells, and stuccoes. It is not certain if it is truly that cave, but it is nonetheless an important discovery that shows how special this area was in antiquity.