What is the Aventine Hill and its significance in Rome?

The Aventine Hill, known in Latin as *Collis Aventinus* and in Italian as *Aventino*, is one of the seven hills upon which ancient Rome was built. It is located in the modern twelfth *rione* (ward) of Rome, called Ripa.

How is the Aventine Hill geographically situated among Rome's seven hills?

The Aventine Hill is the southernmost of Rome's seven hills.

What are the distinct topographical features of the Aventine Hill?

The Aventine Hill is characterized by two separate elevations: a larger one to the northwest, known as *Aventinus Major*, and a smaller one to the southeast, *Aventinus Minor*. These two heights are separated by a steep cleft, which historically served as the pathway for an ancient road.

How did the Augustan reforms categorize the Aventine Hill?

During the Augustan reforms, which reorganized Rome's urban neighborhoods (*vici*), the ancient road between the two heights (now the Viale Aventino) was designated as the boundary between two new regions. The *Aventinus Maior* was incorporated into Regio XIII, while the *Aventinus Minor* became part of Regio XII.

What is the most commonly cited origin for the name "Aventine Hill" in Roman tradition?

Most Roman sources attribute the name of the Aventine Hill to a legendary king named Aventinus. Servius, a commentator on Virgil, identified two kings of this name, one Italic and one Alban, both supposedly buried on the hill in ancient times, with the hill being named after the Italic king.

What alternative theories for the naming of the Aventine Hill did Roman sources discuss and reject?

Roman sources, specifically Servius, rejected the proposition by Varro that the Sabines named the hill after the nearby Avens River (modern Velino). They also suggested that the Aventinus who was the son of Hercules and Rhea Silvia was likely named after the hill, rather than the hill being named after him.

How does Virgil's *Aeneid* feature the Aventine Hill?

In Virgil's epic poem, the *Aeneid*, the Aventine Hill is depicted as the dwelling place of the monstrous Cacus. Cacus lived in a cave on the rocky slope near the river and was eventually killed by Hercules for stealing Geryon's cattle.

What role did the Aventine Hill play in the augury contest between Romulus and Remus?

According to most versions of Rome's founding myth, Remus established his augural tent (*auguraculum*) on the Aventine Hill, while Romulus set his up on the Palatine Hill. This contest of augury was crucial for determining who would have the right to found and name the new city.

What was the outcome of the augury contest involving the Aventine Hill in Rome's founding myth?

In the most common accounts, Remus saw fewer auspicious birds than Romulus from his position on the Aventine. This led to Romulus winning the contest, founding the city of Rome at his augural site on the Palatine Hill.

What is an earlier variant of the Romulus and Remus founding myth concerning the Aventine?

An earlier version, attributed to the poet Ennius and some later sources, suggests that Romulus performed his augury on one of the Aventine Hills, while Remus performed his elsewhere. This variant posits that the Aventine was initially only the northwestern height, later extended to include its southeastern neighbor.

What is the significance of "Mons Murca" in relation to the Aventine Hill's founding myth?

"Mons Murca" is identified in some scholarly interpretations, particularly by O. Skutsch, as the name for the lesser, southeastern height of the Aventine. This interpretation aligns with Ennius' variant of the founding myth, where Remus's augury might have taken place on this specific hill.

What was the Aventine Hill's reputation in Roman mythology, particularly concerning birds?

The Aventine Hill was noted in Roman mythology for its association with "inauspicious birds." This reputation is linked to Remus's less fortunate outcome in the augury contest, as he lost the right to found the city and ultimately his life, remaining associated with the Aventine.

Was the Aventine Hill initially part of Rome's original city limits?

According to Roman tradition, the Aventine Hill was not included within Rome's original foundation and lay outside the city's ancient sacred boundary, known as the *pomerium*.

What role did King Ancus Marcius play concerning the Aventine Hill?

Roman tradition, as reported by Livy, states that Ancus Marcius, Rome's fourth king, defeated the Latins of Politorium and resettled them on the Aventine Hill. The geographer Strabo credits Ancus Marcius with building a city wall that incorporated the Aventine.

Who else is credited with building a wall to incorporate the Aventine Hill?

While Strabo credits King Ancus Marcius with building a wall to incorporate the Aventine, other sources attribute this construction to Rome's sixth king, Servius Tullius.

What was the Aventine Hill's function regarding foreign influences in Rome?

The Aventine Hill served as a significant point for the integration of foreign peoples and their religious cults into Rome. It is noted that "No other location approaches [its] concentration of foreign cults."

When and why was the Temple of Diana built on the Aventine Hill?

During the late regal period, Servius Tullius constructed a temple to Diana on the Aventine Hill. This temple was intended to serve as a Roman center for the newly established Latin League, a confederation of nearby Latin cities.

What is the "Aventine Triad," and when was a temple dedicated to them on the hill?

The Aventine Triad consisted of the deities Ceres, Liber, and Libera, who were considered patron deities of the Roman commoners (*plebs*). A temple dedicated to them was provided by the Roman Senate around 493 BC, shortly after the establishment of the Roman Republic.

What historical event is associated with the dedication of the temple to the Aventine Triad?

The dedication of the temple to Ceres, Liber, and Libera followed one of the earliest instances of plebeian secession, a form of protest where the common people withdrew from the city. This event highlights the Aventine's early association with the plebeian class.

Where was the temple of the Aventine Triad located, and what was its function?

The temple of the Aventine Triad was situated overlooking the Circus Maximus and the Temple of Vesta, facing the Palatine Hill. It became an important site for storing plebeian and senatorial records.

What does the Aventine's location and historical associations suggest about its early status in Rome?

The Aventine's peripheral location, its long-standing connections with Latins and plebeians, and its position outside the *pomerium* (sacred boundary) all indicate its marginal status in early Rome.

What was the significance of the *Lex Icilia*?

The *Lex Icilia*, passed around 456 BC, granted or allowed property rights to the plebeians on the Aventine Hill. This suggests a move towards integrating the hill more formally into the plebeian domain.

How did the Gallic invasion around 391 BC affect the Aventine Hill?

By approximately 391 BC, Rome's population had expanded beyond the Aventine and the Campus Martius, leaving the city vulnerable. After the Gauls overran and occupied the city around that time, the city walls were rebuilt or extended to properly include the Aventine.

What was the connection between the Aventine's incorporation into the city walls and the rise of plebeian officials?

The rebuilding of the walls to include the Aventine coincided with the increasing influence and power of plebeian officials, such as the plebeian aediles and tribunes, in Roman public affairs. This period also saw the emergence of a plebeian nobility.

Besides Diana, Ceres, Liber, and Libera, what other foreign deities were introduced via the Aventine?

The Aventine Hill was a conduit for introducing numerous foreign deities into Rome. Notable examples include Summanus (around 278 BC) and Vortumnus (around 264 BC), with Minerva also being introduced before the end of the 3rd century BC.

When was the Temple of Juno Regina established on the Aventine, and by whom?

The Temple of Juno Regina was established on the Aventine Hill in 392 BC by Marcus Furius Camillus.

How did the Aventine Hill's character change during the Imperial era?

During the Imperial era, the Aventine Hill transformed into a district favored by the aristocracy, becoming the site of numerous residences for wealthy individuals and even future emperors.

Who were some notable figures who resided on the Aventine Hill during the Imperial period?

Before becoming emperors, Trajan and Hadrian lived on the Aventine. Lucius Licinius Sura, a friend of Trajan, also resided there and built the private Baths of Licinius Sura. Emperor Vitellius and the *Praefectus urbi* Lucius Fabius Cilo also lived on the hill during the reign of Septimius Severus.

What public baths were located on the Aventine Hill during the Imperial era?

The Baths of Decius were built on the Aventine Hill in 252 AD. The private Baths of Licinius Sura, built by Trajan's friend, were also a significant feature.

What event led to the destruction of the Aventine Hill's aristocratic residences?

The Aventine Hill's aristocratic neighborhood is believed to have been destroyed during the sack of Rome by Alaric I in 410 AD. This destruction is thought to be linked to the hill's new character as a wealthy residential area.

Where did the poorer population of Rome move as the Aventine became more aristocratic?

As the Aventine Hill became more of an aristocratic neighborhood, the poorer population gradually moved further south towards the plain near the port (*Emporium*) and to the other side of the Tiber River.

What significant political event in the Fascist period is associated with the Aventine Hill?

During the Fascist period, many opposition deputies retreated to the Aventine Hill following the murder of Giacomo Matteotti. This act became known as the "Aventine Secession" (20th century), marking the end of their parliamentary participation and political activity.

What is the Aventine Hill like in contemporary times?

Today, the Aventine Hill is an elegant residential area in Rome, known for its architectural beauty, including notable palaces, churches, and gardens.

What are some examples of architectural interest found on the modern Aventine Hill?

The modern Aventine Hill features significant architectural sites such as the basilica of Santa Sabina, the church of Santi Bonifacio ed Alessio, and the Rome Rose Garden.

How is the Aventine Hill portrayed in Lindsey Davis's *Falco* novels?

In Lindsey Davis's popular historical novels featuring Marcus Didius Falco, the Aventine Hill is depicted as a rough, working-class district of ancient Rome. Falco himself, a private informer, lives on the Aventine.

How does the TV series *Rome* depict the Aventine Hill?

The television series *Rome* portrays the Aventine Hill as the home of the character Lucius Vorenus. In the second season, Vorenus and his friend Titus Pullo are shown trying to maintain order among competing *collegia* (guilds or associations) vying for power on the hill.

How is the Aventine Hill referenced in the *Star Trek* novel universe?

In the *Star Trek* novels, starships of the *Vesta*-class are named after Rome's seven hills. The U.S.S. *Aventine*, captained by Ezri Dax, is the most prominently featured ship of this class.

Which neighborhood in the TV series *Plebs* is depicted as the Aventine?

In the British television series *Plebs*, the neighborhood where the three main plebeian characters reside is depicted as the Aventine.

What does the image caption describe regarding the Aventine Hill?

The image caption describes a view of the Ripa district, showing the Aventine Hill towards the Tiber River, with the palace of the Knights of Malta visible.

What information does the schematic map of Rome's seven hills provide?

The schematic map illustrates the locations of Rome's seven hills and the Servian Wall, providing a geographical overview of the ancient city's topography.

What does the image of Santa Sabina depict?

The image shows the exterior of the Basilica of Santa Sabina, a significant church located on the Aventine Hill.

What is the Latin name for the Aventine Hill?

The Latin name for the Aventine Hill is *Collis Aventinus*.

What is the Italian name for the Aventine Hill?

The Italian name for the Aventine Hill is *Aventino*.

To which modern *rione* (ward) of Rome does the Aventine Hill belong?

The Aventine Hill belongs to Ripa, which is the twelfth *rione* of Rome.

Which historical and mythological figures are associated with the Aventine Hill?

Key figures associated with the Aventine Hill include the legendary King Aventinus, the mythological Cacus, the twins Romulus and Remus, Roman kings Ancus Marcius and Servius Tullius, historical figures like Lucius Licinius Sura, Emperors Trajan and Hadrian, Vitellius, Lucius Fabius Cilo, and political figures like Giacomo Matteotti. Mythological deities such as Diana, Ceres, Liber, and Libera are also linked to the hill.

What significant historical and mythological events are connected to the Aventine Hill?

Significant events associated with the Aventine Hill include the legendary burial of King Aventinus, the killing of Cacus by Hercules, the augury contest between Romulus and Remus, the resettlement of Latins by Ancus Marcius, the dedication of temples to Diana and the Aventine Triad, the *Lex Icilia*, the Gallic invasion, the sack of Rome by Alaric I, and the 20th-century Aventine Secession during the Fascist period.

What ancient Roman deities had temples or significant cults on the Aventine Hill?

Temples to Diana, Ceres, Liber, Libera, and Bona Dea were located on the Aventine Hill, reflecting its importance in ancient Roman religion, particularly for plebeian and foreign cults.

Is there scholarly debate regarding the distinct identity of the Aventine's two heights?

Yes, there is scholarly debate. While commonly accepted scholarship suggests the two heights were recognized as a single Aventine during the Republican era, some scholars, like O. Skutsch, argue they were originally considered separate hills, with the northwestern height being the Aventine and the southeastern height being *Mons Murca*.

How did the Augustan reforms define the boundaries related to the Aventine Hill?

The Augustan reforms established the modern Viale Aventino, the road between the two heights, as a boundary between Regio XIII (which included Aventinus Maior) and Regio XII (which included Aventinus Minor).

What made the Aventine Hill a unique location for foreign cults in Rome?

The Aventine Hill was a primary site for the introduction and establishment of foreign cults into Rome, possibly due to its location outside the original *pomerium* and its historical association with foreign populations resettled there. Its concentration of foreign cults was reportedly unparalleled in Rome.

Aventine Hill Wiki: Aventine Hill: Echoes of Ancient Rome

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Introduction

A Defining Roman Landmark

The Aventine Hill, known in Latin as Collis Aventinus and in Italian as Aventino, is one of the seven classical hills upon which ancient Rome was founded. Today, it forms part of the Ripa district, the twelfth *rione* of the city. Its strategic location and rich historical tapestry have made it a focal point of Roman development, mythology, and political discourse throughout antiquity and beyond.

Location and Boundaries

Southernmost of the Seven Hills

Situated at the southern extremity of Rome's famed seven hills, the Aventine is characterized by two distinct elevations: the larger northwestern height, Aventinus Major, and the smaller southeastern height, Aventinus Minor. These were historically separated by a steep cleft, now accommodating the Viale Aventino. During the Republican era, these heights were generally considered a singular entity. Following the Augustan reforms, the hill was administratively divided, with Aventinus Maior incorporated into Regio XIII and Aventinus Minor becoming part of Regio XII, with the Viale Aventino serving as a boundary.

Etymology and Origins

Naming Conventions and Legends

Roman historical accounts predominantly attribute the name "Aventine" to a legendary king, Aventinus, who is said to have been buried on the hill. While some scholars, like Servius, identify two kings of this name, others, such as Varro, proposed a connection to the nearby Avens River. However, the prevailing tradition links the name to the king. The figure of Aventinus, son of Hercules and Rhea Silvia, is also associated with the hill, though likely named after it rather than the other way around, reflecting the hill's prominence in early Roman lore.

Mythological Significance

Foundation Myths and Heroic Tales

The Aventine Hill features prominently in foundational Roman myths. In Virgil's Aeneid, it is depicted as the lair of the monstrous Cacus, slain by Hercules. More critically, in the legend of Rome's founding, the twin brothers Romulus and Remus engaged in an augural contest to determine who would establish the city. Most accounts place Remus's augural tent on the Aventine, where he observed fewer auspicious birds than Romulus on the Palatine Hill, ultimately leading to Romulus founding Rome. This narrative positions the Aventine as a site of divine contest and, in some interpretations, a place associated with less favorable omens, contrasting with the Palatine's destiny.

Historical Trajectory

From Suburb to Aristocratic Seat

The Aventine's historical trajectory reflects Rome's own evolution. Initially lying outside the city's sacred boundary (*pomerium*), it served as a settlement for displaced populations, notably the Latins resettled by King Ancus Marcius. Its strategic importance grew with the construction of defensive walls, though its precise incorporation into the city's fortifications remains debated. The hill became a significant center for plebeian identity, hosting temples dedicated to deities like Ceres, Liber, and Libera, and serving as a repository for plebeian records. Later, during the Imperial era, it transformed into a prestigious residential district for the Roman elite, featuring opulent villas and baths, before suffering destruction during the Visigothic sack of Rome in 410 AD.

The Roman Era

Plebeian Power and Foreign Cults

In the early Roman Republic, the Aventine Hill was a crucial site for the plebeian class. Following the expulsion of the kings, the Senate granted the plebs temples for their patron deities, the Aventine Triad (Ceres, Liber, and Libera), a move linked to the plebeian secession of 494 BC. This temple served as a vital repository for plebeian and senatorial records, underscoring the hill's role in political struggles. The Aventine also became a conduit for foreign cults entering Rome, notably the Temple of Diana established by Servius Tullius, symbolizing Rome's increasing integration of diverse peoples and religious practices. The Lex Icilia later granted plebeians property rights on the hill, solidifying its association with the common populace before its eventual incorporation into the city walls and the rise of a plebeian nobility.

Welcoming the World

The Aventine's status as an extra-pomerial site facilitated the introduction of numerous foreign deities and cults into Rome. Notable examples include the Temple of Juno Regina established by Camillus, and later introductions of deities such as Summanus, Vortumnus, and Minerva. This openness to external religious influences highlights the Aventine's role as a cultural melting pot within the expanding Roman sphere.

Imperial Transformation

Seat of the Elite

During the Imperial period, the Aventine Hill underwent a significant transformation, evolving from a plebeian stronghold and site of foreign cults into a desirable residential area for Rome's aristocracy. Prominent figures, including future emperors like Trajan and Hadrian, resided there before ascending to power. The hill became home to luxurious private residences and sophisticated amenities, such as the Baths of Licinius Sura, a friend of Trajan. The presence of figures like Lucius Fabius Cilo, the *Praefectus urbi* under Septimius Severus, further cemented its status. The construction of the Baths of Decius in 252 AD also marked the hill's continued importance as a public amenity for the elite. This shift towards an aristocratic character likely contributed to its vulnerability and subsequent destruction during Alaric I's sack of Rome in 410 AD.

Modern Resurgence

Elegance and Political Echoes

In the modern era, the Aventine Hill has re-emerged as an elegant and sought-after residential district in Rome. It retains significant architectural and religious importance, housing notable churches such as the Basilica of Santa Sabina and Santi Bonifacio ed Alessio, alongside the picturesque Rome Rose Garden. The hill also carries echoes of more recent political history. During the Fascist period, it became the symbolic refuge for opposition deputies who withdrew from Parliament following the assassination of Giacomo Matteotti, an act known as the "Aventine Secession." This event underscores the hill's enduring association with significant political and social movements throughout Roman history.

Cultural Resonance

Enduring Presence in Arts and Media

The Aventine Hill's rich history and evocative atmosphere have secured its place in various forms of cultural expression. It is frequently depicted in historical fiction, notably in Lindsey Davis's Falco series, where it is portrayed as a working-class area of ancient Rome. The acclaimed television series Rome also features the Aventine as the home of the character Lucius Vorenus, highlighting its role as a hub for various competing social and political factions. Beyond literature and television, the hill's name has been adopted in science fiction, with starships in the Star Trek novels bearing the designation "Aventine." The British comedy series Plebs further utilizes the Aventine as the setting for the main characters' neighborhood, demonstrating its continued relevance as a symbol of Roman life and identity across different genres and eras.

References

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References

Maurus Servius Honoratus, Commentary on the Aeneid of Vergil, 7. 657.

Brill's New Pauly: Encyclopaedia of the Ancient World. "Cacus", 2002. Retrieved on May 4, 2007.

Otto Skutsch, "Enniana IV: Condendae urbis auspicia", The Classical Quarterly, New Series, Vol. 11, No. 2 (Nov., 1961), pp. 252-267.

Maurus Servius Honoratus, Commentary on the Aeneid of Vergil, 7. 657.

Livy, Ab urbe condita, 1.33.

Strabo. "Geography", November 6, 2006. Retrieved on May 8, 2007.

Cornell, T., The beginnings of Rome: Italy and Rome from the Bronze Age to the Punic Wars (c.1000â264 BC), Routledge, 1995, p. 264.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Aventine Hill Wikipedia page

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Aventine Hill: Echoes of Ancient Rome

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Introduction ℹ️

⛰️ A Defining Roman Landmark

Location and Boundaries 📍

🗺️ Southernmost of the Seven Hills

Etymology and Origins 📜

🗣️ Naming Conventions and Legends

Mythological Significance ✨

⚔️ Foundation Myths and Heroic Tales

Historical Trajectory 🏛️

⏳ From Suburb to Aristocratic Seat

The Roman Era 🛡️

⚖️ Plebeian Power and Foreign Cults

🌍 Welcoming the World

Imperial Transformation 👑

🏡 Seat of the Elite

Modern Resurgence 🕊️

🏛️ Elegance and Political Echoes

Cultural Resonance 🎭

📚 Enduring Presence in Arts and Media

References 📖

Test Your Knowledge ❓

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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References

📜 References

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To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.

Disclaimer ⚠️

📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introduction

A Defining Roman Landmark

Location and Boundaries

Southernmost of the Seven Hills

Etymology and Origins

Naming Conventions and Legends

Mythological Significance

Foundation Myths and Heroic Tales

Historical Trajectory

From Suburb to Aristocratic Seat

The Roman Era

Plebeian Power and Foreign Cults

Welcoming the World

Imperial Transformation

Seat of the Elite

Modern Resurgence

Elegance and Political Echoes

Cultural Resonance

Enduring Presence in Arts and Media

References

Test Your Knowledge

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice