How to Understand Best the Seven Hills of Rome?
The Seven Hills of Rome are the foundation on which the ancient city is built upon. These include the Palatine, Esquiline Aventine, Viminal, Caelian, Capitoline and Quirinal. While they all play an important part, it is ideal to note that the original traditions of the city were founded by Romulus and this was on Palentine. History and tradition states that they were not a city in the beginning but rather as small settlements. It was later on when religious games were organized by occupants of these regions that they start to bond together.
As this progressed, the distinct settlements were then merged to form groups. This in turn drained the marshy valleys, which were between the settlements. They were turned into markets and in this manner the city was formed. Out of the 7 that make up the current city, it is important to note that only 5 are populated with parks, buildings, and monuments. The Capitoline on the other hand is what hosts the city’s hall while the Palatine is known as the archeological area. Note that each of these has its own history and as such, it is important to ensure that you understand each.
Aventine
The most ancient structure was destroyed by fire though the Mithraic Basilica that dates back to the 5th century is still intact.
Caelian
Roman King Tullus Hostilius who ruled in 673-641 BC is believed to have relocated the population of Alba Longa city to this location after conquering it. It was then considered the home of the elite. Monuments to find here include the Baths of Caracalla built in the 206-216 AD.
Capitoline
This was considered the ideal location of a citadel. In addition to this, it also hosted temples that were considered sacred to Jupiter, Minerva, Juno. In addition to this, it is ideal to note that the Roman senate meetings were held here.
Esquiline
The initial structures here were the Domus Aurea or the Golden house that were built by Emperor Nero. After his death, they were destroyed and in their place, the Baths of Trajan and the Coliseum were built.
Palatine
This was the first place to be inhabited and it is believed to have been founded by Romulus. It has several palaces and other imperial buildings that are still standing up to date.
Quirinal
This was not in the original map out of the city. It has several palaces and it was considered to be the safe haven of a god named Quirinus.
Viminal
This has the Baths of Diocletian that was built between AD298 and 306. In addition to this, the National museum of the city and a couple of churches are found here.
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