From the disastrous effects of the first excavations in the 1500s and 1600s to the more recent, systematic campaigns: a fascinating overview of the archaeology of one of the most important sites of ancient Rome.
[Excavations on the Palatine Hill / Discoveries and documents] Events throughout the centuries following the first excavations and the systematic dispersion of precious archaeological materials have seriously compromised knowledge of what was the center of the political functions of ancient Rome.
Aimed at shedding light on the many issues of topography, history and archaeology, in recent years studies on the Palatine have moved forward with exceptional energy.
The items that have re-emerged regard the origins of the city, its large patrician homes and places of worship, the late imperial organization of peripheral zones and others more closely connected with the residence of the emperor.
The book retraces the progress of the excavations, both legitimate and illegitimate, from the 16th century to the present, with topographic tables, reliefs, prints and period photographs to illustrate a chapter in archaeology that involves the love of antiquities, the market, heritage conservation and collecting.