Discovering Rome’s Palatine Hill

Some places have a hidden history, long forgotten and buried under new developments. This cannot, however, be said of the incredible ancient city of Rome.

The land that housed all the great Roman palaces, lived in by powerful emperors, who sent their armies out to defeat all who opposed them, exudes history and intrigue.

Palatine Hill in Rome is not massive in stature at only 40 meters, but rises above the Roman Forum. During Augustus’ rule, Imperial palaces were built at Palatine Hill and it was once considered a sanctuary for its rulers above the general hubbub of the city.

The ruins of the palaces of Augustus, Tiberius and Domition, can still be investigated. They are now stripped of any adornment and some have lost the upper portions, but all it takes is a bit of imagination!

Palatine Hill is the centremost of the seven hills of Rome. The hill looks down on the Forum, which would have been the centre of trade, and across to the Colosseum where thousands of people and animals lost their lives in the name of entertainment. Behind it would have been the Circus Maximus.

According to mythology, the Hill was the site of the cave where Romulus and Remus were found by the she-wolf who fostered them. Much later a temple to Apollo was built. It was also the place that the Cybele was meant to reside, who made prophesies for the emperors.

Originally the lower area was a mosquito-infested swamp that the Romans finally drained, and then created one of the greatest cities in the world.

Both Palatine Hill and the Roman Forum are open to the public and count as one admission. If you are visiting this spectacular city, a trip to this ancient archaeological site, where the monuments date back to the sixth century BC, should be part of your Rome itinerary.