Palatine Hill
The centremost of Rome's seven hills and the first nucleus of the Roman Empire.
The Palatine Hill is the centremost of the seven hills of Rome and one of the most ancient parts of the city, called 'the first nucleus of the Roman Empire'. It is now mainly a large open-air museum where the Palatine Museum houses finds from excavations. Imperial palaces were built there starting with Augustus; before imperial times, the hill was mostly occupied by the houses of the rich.
- location
- Rome, Italy
- historical_significance
- First nucleus of the Roman Empire and location where Romulus founded Rome
Lore & Background
According to Roman mythology, this is the location of the Lupercal cave where Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf Lupa. It is also the hill on which the adult Romulus chose to found the city and murdered his brother Remus. Another legend tells of Hercules defeating Cacus here after the monster stole cattle; Hercules struck Cacus so hard it formed a cleft on the southeast corner where a staircase bearing the name of Cacus was later constructed.
In Their Own Story
Excavations show people have lived in this area since the 10th century BC. In 9th to 7th century BC, huts used for funerary purposes were found here, approximating the time Rome was founded. By the Republican period, many affluent Romans had residences on the hill. From 27 BC, Augustus built his palace there, and the site gradually became the exclusive domain of emperors including Tiberius and Domitian. After the Great Fire of AD 64 destroyed Nero's Domus Transitoria, he replaced it by AD 69 with the larger Domus Aurea, over which Domitian eventually built his own palace. From the 16th century, the Farnese family owned the hill and occupied it with their gardens.
Reader's Guide
The site is a large open-air museum featuring ruins of palaces from Augustus (27 BC – 14 AD), Tiberius (14–37 AD), and Domitian (81–96 AD). The Palatine Museum, installed in the surviving part of a building that was once a neo-Gothic villa and later a convent, houses many finds from excavations here and other ancient Italian sites. Visitors can see the remains of the House of Livia near the Temple of Magna Mater, the Domus Tiberiana (partially lying in the Farnese Gardens), and the Temple of Apollo Palatinus. In 2007, a 16-metre-deep cavity with mosaics was claimed to be the Lupercal beneath the House of Livia, though some believe it is actually a nymphaeum from Neronian times.
Did You Know?
- The word 'palace' in many languages (including English, Italian, French, Spanish, and German) derives etymologically from the name of this hill.
- In 2006, archaeologists announced the discovery of a two-story aristocratic house on the slope overlooking the Colosseum, believed to be the birthplace of Emperor Augustus.
- The hill originally had two summits: the higher Palatium and the lower Germalus (or Cermalus), separated by a depression.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Palatine Hill in the context of AS Roma's history?
The Palatine Hill serves as the mythical and historical birthplace of Rome, where the club's namesake city was founded by Romulus. It represents the ancient heart of the empire, symbolizing the deep roots and noble heritage that the Giallorossi claim as their own.
Why is this location considered sacred to Roma fans?
Fans revere the Palatine Hill because it was designated as the first nucleus of the Roman Empire, making it the spiritual origin point for the team's identity. Its status as the centremost of Rome's seven hills cements its role as the foundational ground upon which the club's legacy stands.
What historical structures once stood on this site?
Before becoming an open-air museum, the hill was occupied by the homes of ancient aristocrats and later featured grand imperial palaces built starting with Emperor Augustus. These ruins now house archaeological finds that tell the story of Rome's transition from a kingdom to a global power.
How does the Palatine Hill relate to the club's nickname or symbols?
While not directly depicted on the crest, the hill embodies the 'Roma' in AS Roma, linking the modern team to the imperial grandeur and founding myths of ancient Rome. It reinforces the narrative that the club is the direct descendant of the city's most glorious era.
Can fans visit this site today?
Yes, the Palatine Hill is currently a major archaeological park where visitors can walk among the remains of imperial palaces and view artifacts in the Palatine Museum. It stands as a tangible connection to history for supporters who wish to trace the origins of their beloved city and team.
More in World & Setting
Elsewhere in the AS Roma universe
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