Vespasian’s Summer Villa Discovered?
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Roman. Vespasian (1st Century A.D.). Thasian marble. 66 x 31.1 x 36.6 cm (26 x 12 1/4 x 14 7/16 in.). Walters Art Museum. Photograph provided by Flickr. |
By GAIL S. MYHRE
August 10, 2009
A large opulent villa uncovered near the town of Cittareale, Italy is thought to be the Summer residence of Rome’s Emperor Vespasian.
Archaeologists announced on August 6, 2009 the discovery of a villa, possibly the Summer home of Roman Emperor Vespasian (9-79 A.D.; r. 69-79 A.D.), after four years of excavation near the Italian town of Cittareale. Although no specific clues (e.g., coins and inscriptions) that could help date or identify the site were found, the lead archaeologist, Filippo Coarelli of the University of Perugia, speculates that the size and opulence of the site tend to confirm Vespasian’s ownership.
According to Coarelli, the most spectacular section of the villa, which is more than 160,000 square feet in size, is the main hall, replete with a floor of multicolored marble quarried in North Africa. Two other rooms have intricate mosaic floors.
Vespasian’s Birthplace Identified
In a parallel excavation, the town in which Vespasian was born, Falacrina (Vicus Phalacrinae), was identified based upon the finding of an inscription which commemorates the participation of a resident in the Social Wars (91-88 B.C.). The emperor’s birthplace was previously unknown, but thought to be near Cittareale, a town located in the mountains northeast of Rome. Falacrina’s material remains, including tombs, vases and other artifacts, were uncovered. Many of the works are now exhibited in Cittareale’s museum.
In a recent interview, Pierluigi Feliciangeli, the mayor of Cittareale, said, “We have Falacrina and we have this huge villa. It all points to Vespasian. This is an incredible finding for Cittareale.”
Emperor Vespasian’s Life and Death
Vespasian is known for having rebuilt the Roman Empire following the death of Emperor Nero (r. 54-68 A.D.) and the resulting civil wars during 69 A.D., “The Year of Four Emperors.” Upon his accession, Vespasian launched a massive public works campaign. His programme included the building of the Colosseum, arguably the most famous ancient Roman structure in existence. A notation in the writings of Suetonius (ca. 69-140 A.D.) mentions Vespasian’s death at “his summer retreat near Reate.”[1] Suetonius goes on to relate the ruler’s deathbed joke – “Dear me! I must be turning into a god!” – a direct dig at the deification of previous emperors. At the very end, Vespasian struggled to rise in spite of his illness, muttering that an emperor ought to die on his feet.
Archaeologists speculate that Vespasian may have situated his villa near his home town, in a word (or two), to show off.
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[1] Suetonius. The Twelve Caesars. Robert Graves, Michael Grant (trans.). First published 1957; rev ed. 1979; reissued with new chronology and updated with further reading 2003; ISBN 0140449213
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