Category Archives: Archaeology

Forum of Peace

In 70-75 AD. at the end of the civil wars for the succession to the Empire and the bloody repression of the Jewish revolt, the Emperor Vespasian built a sanctuary dedicated to Peace called the Forum of Peace consisting of a large square with porticoes. The complex became part of the five Imperial Forums, theContinue reading “Forum of Peace”

S. Paul Outside The Walls

It is one of the four major basilicas of Rome and the only one located outside the ancient walls. It was originally built by the Emperor Constantine by the Necropolis (city od the dead) of Via Ostiense, on the burial place of the Apostle Paul who had been condemned to be decapitated at the currentContinue reading “S. Paul Outside The Walls”

Brief history of the Colosseum

“When the Colosseum falls, Rome will fall; when Rome falls, the entire world will fall” Venerable Veda WAS THE COLOSSEUM THE FIRST AMPHITHEATER IN ROME?Absolutely not. With increasing importance and prestige, the gladiator games deserved a better location than the simple city squares, set up for the occasion with temporary stands. In 52 BC Curione,Continue reading “Brief history of the Colosseum”

Pontifical Foundry Marinelli

In Agnone, Abruzzo, the tradition of merging and forging the metals is 2500 years old. The area had been inhabited by the Samnites since the Bronze Age and later taken by the Romans by the 3rd century BC. During the Middle Age, probably due to the conventual nature of the rich and industrious city, itContinue reading “Pontifical Foundry Marinelli”

The Pantheon and its Archeoastronomy

My intention is that this sanctuary for all the Gods reproduce the similarity of the terrestrial globe and the spheres of the planets. The dome must reveal the sky through a large opening in the center, alternatively showing light and shadow Hadrian The first structure was built between 27 and 25 BC by Marco VipsanioContinue reading “The Pantheon and its Archeoastronomy”

Inside the Pyramid of Rome

Pyramid is a greek word meaning ‘fire-shaped’. Its architecure was introduced in Rome after the conquest of Egypt in 31 BC and the arrival to Rome of Cleopatra. The Romans were fascinated by this ancient and advanced civilization and an Egyptian fashion spread out, especially in the capital. Roman women walked around showing Egyptian haircuts and wearing eastern jewellery whereasContinue reading “Inside the Pyramid of Rome”

The hidden frescoes in Ostia Antica

Ostia is the archaeological site in the world with the largest number of stone mosaics. However, not many people have a chance to see the ancient but still well preserved frescoes inside the houses in Ostia Antica, the oldest seaport of Rome, 20 kms south-west of the historic centre. Frescoes were produced by experienced and talentedContinue reading “The hidden frescoes in Ostia Antica”

Domus of Fortuna Annonaria in Ostia Antica

There’s many places where I love walking around in Ostia Antica and one of them is definitely the Domus of the Fortuna Annonaria (food fortune). Domus is a latin word meaning house and specifically referring to an aristocratic house. Modern words as domestic and dome come from this root. Even just this site is worth the tripContinue reading “Domus of Fortuna Annonaria in Ostia Antica”