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Rome's Palatine Hill Through the Ages: A Four Part Course with Veronica Iacomi

Rome's Palatine Hill Through the Ages: A Four Part Course with Veronica Iacomi


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after each event.

Place of the legendary foundation of Rome, throughout the whole of Roman history the Palatine Hill always represented a symbolic place, often associated with power and ancestral cults. Being chosen by Augustus as his residence marked the destiny of the Hill for the centuries to come: the Palatium would became strictly associated with the Palace, and the Hill will be the ideal centre of imperial power even in the century to come, after the end of the Roman Empire. With a detailed accounts of the vicissitudes of the Hill through its building history, the course will be the chance to discover, or rediscover, some among the most outstanding monuments of ancient Rome. 

Led by an expert on Roman Archaeology and Tourist Guide of Rome, Veronica Iacomi, this Course will we a thourough exploration of the monuments of the Palatine Hill through the centuries, from the foundation of Rome to the excavations of the 1800' and 1900'. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased knowledge about the history of Rome and familiarity with one of the most iconic venues of the Eternal City. 

Lecture One – The Foundation of Rome
With a brief introduction on the geology of the Hill and on the earliest attested traces of human occupation of the site, the major topic of the foundation of Rome will be taken into account. Myth and legends will mingle with archaeological discoveries, in a general overview of the most up-to-date theories about the birth of the city.

Lecture Two – Archaic to Republican Periods (6th-7th century BC)
Palatine Hill is the place for community cults and for private and luxurious houses throughout the whole Republican Period. Despite scattered, the archaeological remains of the period allow to have a good idea of the development of the Hill before becoming the imperial residence.

Lecture Three – Building the Emperors' Palace
From the decision of Augustus to set his residence on the Hill to the building projects by Nero and Domitian, this core class will be focused on the Palace and its development throughout the Imperial Age (late Ist c. BC  to the 4th c. AD)

Lecture Four – Late Antiquity and Beyond
At the end of the Imperial Age, emperors were less and less residing in Rome. Despite this, the Palace must have retained its functionality at least until the early Middle Ages, with both Barbarian kings and Popes promoting restorations and partial reoccupation. The progressive Christianisation of the Hill, and the later abandonment mark a period of decadence, before the creation of Renaissance gardens of the Farnese family (Horti Farnesiani), the creation of monasteries and private villas, until the Palatine will be aquired by the Italian State and the true rediscovery would start. 

Veronica is a PhD archaeologist who worked on excavations in Rome and abroad (Turkey) for over 20 years. Subject topics of her research range from funerary archaeology to domestic architecture, with a special interest in Late Antiquity, the Provinces of the Roman Empire, processes of assimilation and cultural interchanges, economy and production in the Antiquity. Enthusiastic traveller and explorer, she has always devoted herself not only to her academic career but also to dissemination activities as a lecturer, tour guide in Rome (for over 10 years), tour planner and leader for trips all around the Mediterrenean. History buff, in love for her city - Rome, the Eternal City! -, moved by curiousity and a genuine passion for stories behind History, she likes to convey her expertise while never forgetting how to be also a good companion for your exploration of the ancient world.

How does it work?
This is a four-part series held weekly and hosted on Zoom. Please check the schedule for the specific dates and times for each lecture. 

When will I receive the Zoom link?
Your link to enter the Zoom room will be the same for all sessions. It will be sent to the email address used to place your order 30 minutes prior to each lecture's start time.

Is there a reading list in advance?
Though the course is open to participants with no background on this topic, there are suggested readings for further investigation. These will be provided at the course's conclusion.

How long are the lectures?
Each lecture is 60 minutes long with time for Q&A.

How much is the course?
The course is $140 USD for four lectures.

Is a recording available?
Yes. All registered participants will be sent a recording link within 48 hours of each session's conclusion.

Are there additional seminars, courses, and in-person experiences being led on the topic of Roman History?
Yes!  Veronica Iacomi will be leading several virtual experiences in the coming weeks. Details are available here.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 1 review
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B
Barbara (Edinburgh, GB)
Wonderful memories and more to look forward to

I last visited the Palatine Hill in DEcember 2019 just before Covid. It ws the most wonderful trip. This course was the next best experience until I can visit again

Customer Reviews

Based on 1 review
0%
(0)
100%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
B
Barbara (Edinburgh, GB)
Wonderful memories and more to look forward to

I last visited the Palatine Hill in DEcember 2019 just before Covid. It ws the most wonderful trip. This course was the next best experience until I can visit again