Rome's geological features played an important role in its history. In ancient times, swampy valleys and streams separated the hills of Rome. The marshes were eventually drained and the ravines were filled in, so today some of the hills may not appear as high or distinct as they did in the past. Archaeological and historical evidence suggest that there were cities on each of the hills surrounded by defensive walls, and the inhabitants of some of the hills were at war with one another. Later, more extensive walls were erected to encompass the entire city. The Servian Wall was built by King Servius Tullius in the 6th century BC, and the Aurelian Wall was built by Emperor Aurelian in the 3rd century AD to protect the city against invading Germanic tribes.
Aventine Hill (Aventinus)
Most of the ancient structures on the Aventine Hill were destroyed by fires, but the 5th century Mithraic basilica of Santa Sabina remains intact. The Knights of Malta Square (Piazza dei Cavalieri di Malta), designed by architect Giambattista Piranesi in the 18th century, features military trophies, obelisks, and the famous "hole of Rome," a keyhole in a wooden door that, when peered through, reveals a view of the dome of St. Peter's basilica.
Caelian Hill (Caelius)
After conquering the city of Alba Longa, Roman King Tullus Hostilius (673-641 BC) relocated the population of that city to the Caelian Hill. It was the home of the elite during the period of the Roman Republic. The ruins of the Baths of Caracalla, built between AD 206-216, are located on the Caelian Hill.
Capitoline Hill (Capitolium)
Adjacent to the Roman Forum, the Capitoline Hill was the location of a citadel and temples sacred to Jupiter, Juno and Minerva, and the Roman senate held meetings there. It is also the site of the Piazza Del Campidoglio and three palaces designed by Michelangelo, along with the Capitoline Museum, whose collection includes many significant pieces of Roman art including the Capitoline Wolf and the Dying Gaul.
Esquiline Hill (Esquiliae)
In the aftermath of the devastating fire of AD 64, Emperor Nero built an extravagant palace called the Domus Aurea, or Golden House, on and around the Esquiline Hill. After Nero's death, the palace was largely destroyed and built over. The Colosseum and Baths of Trajan were built in its place. The Basilica of Maxentius, begun in AD 311, is located between the Esquiline and Palatine Hills.
Palatine Hill (Palatium)
Legend says Romulus founded Rome on the Palatine Hill in 753 BC, and it was the first of Rome's hills to be inhabited. Ancient Rome's wealthy aristocrats lived on the Palatine Hill and Augustus, the first emperor, was born there in 63 BC. Many of the emperors built their palaces there, and the ruins of the palace of the Emperor Domitian, as well as other imperial buildings, can still be seen today.
Quirinal Hill (Quirinalis)
The Quirinal Hill was settled by Sabines, and was not originally part of the city of Rome. It was named after the god Quirinus, whose temple was located there. Several palaces built during the 16th-18th centuries now stand on the Quirinal Hill.
Viminal Hill (Viminalis)
The enormous Baths of Diocletian, built between AD 298 and 306, are located near the Viminal Hill. The church of San Bernardo and the church of Santa Maria degli Angeli, as well as the National Museum of Rome were all later built within the baths complex.
Other hills in Rome not counted in the traditional list of seven include the Pincian Hill, the location of the Villa Borghese, and the Janiculum Hill, a tall ridge overlooking the Tiber River.
Related articles:
The Regal Period of Roman History
Ancient Roman History from Aeneas to Romulus
Sources:
"Rome." Encyclopedia Britannica Online, 2010. Accessed May 25, 2010.
Platner, Samuel Ball. A Topographical History of Ancient Rome. London: Oxford University Press, 1929. Accessed online May 25, 2010.
Terrie Schultz - Terrie Schultz holds a BS in Biochemistry and an MA in Cell and Molecular Biology. She worked for many years in the biomedical field in ...
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