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Collis Palatinus: Lifestyles of the ancient rich and famous
After hiking up an ancient road, whose stones the orator Cicero would have trod with his heavy step, we refresh ourselves among the rich foliage of the Farnese Gardens. The gardens decorate part of the Palatine hill and from here we enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding area. We can imagine what Romulus and his gang of cattle-rustlers and brigands would have seen almost 3000 years ago: the Tiber winding below us, the tree-lined Capitoline hill and the mysterious Gianicolo hill across the river in Trastevere--Etruscan territory in those days!
As the neighboring Roman Forum grew into a bona fide downtown, the Palatine became hot property for Rome's rich, famous, and infamous. Expansive private villas sprang up like weeds, and the well-to-do wanted nothing more than to acquire a home there. As Rome became an empire, the emperorors took over the Palatine, squeezing out their neighbors by buying up or confiscating land.
Our last stop is the Emperor Domitian's palace, built around 70 A.D. Traipsing through the remains of a building that might dwarf Versailles, we'll explore a world of comfort and luxury that we do not always associate with ancient life.
Entrance fee to the Palatine € 8
Note: We'll also stop at a small museum that houses some unexpected treasures that were found in this area.
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