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Romulus, Remus, and the Palatine Hill: The Origins of Rome with Livia Galante
Learn with Livia Galante

Romulus, Remus, and the Palatine Hill: The Origins of Rome with Livia Galante

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

From the hut of Romulus to the palace of the Caesars, join a local Roman archaeologist to learn about the history of the Eternal City, Rome, recounted by one of the Seven Hills of Rome, the Palatine Hill.
Legend says that, at the foot of the hill, there was the cave where the twins Romulus and Remus were suckled by a she-wolf. It is here that Romulus challenged in a competition his twin brother Remus and won the trial. He, therefore, settled on the hill to create a first fortified village called Rome becoming the founder and the first of the seven kings of Rome.
As the village expanded to become a larger city, the hill always remained a place where the aristocrats wanted to live. It was both close to the Roman Forum, the heart of the ancient city but, far from the swamps, noise and smells of the valleys at the bottom. We'll learn how the dramatic events at the end of the first century BC brought a dramatic political transformation and the appearance of a rising young star adopted by Julius Caesar: Octavian. He was appointed by the Senate with the attribute of “Augustus”, the man of destiny. Augustus, the first emperor of Rome decided to build the first palace on the Palatine Hill. 
We'll discuss how all the emperors that followed Augustus also chose to expand to occupy the entire hill: it was the new political heart of the ancient city. We'll explore the exquisite structure as we discuss its use by  Byzantine bureaucrats (even after the fallen Roman Empire).
We will virtually wander from the huts of Romulus, through the Houses of Augustus and Livia, with their superb frescoes, from the just reopened underground Domus Transitoria of Nero to the magnificent palace of Domitian whose outstanding ruins are, nowadays, the main landmark of the palatine hill.
Led by an expert on Ancient Roman Topography, Livia Galante, this interactive seminar will focus on the Palatine Hill). Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with a deeper comprehension of the history of the city as well as information about buildings and building techniques, frescoes, ancient technology.

Livia obtained a degree in Archaeology at the Sapienza University of Rome and has a Master's degree in the History and Conservation of Cultural Heritage from the University of Roma Tre. Her main field of interest is ancient Roman topography and early Christian architecture; however, she is an accomplished scholar whose teaching ability extends to the Renaissance and Baroque Rome. As a native Roman, Livia is very enthusiastic about sharing the deep love and knowledge she has for her hometown with clients.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 13 reviews
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(13)
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Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
Great Summary of Rome's History

Another wonderful seminar by Livia! The myths and facts of Rome's founding was outlined and accompanied with excellent graphics, photos, charts, and her descriptions. Loved her way to recall the names of all 7 of the hills of Rome! The time line schematic most informative. I enjoyed and learned from this seminar.

M
Maruchi Santana (Brooklyn, US)
Extraordinary Presentation

Livia brings ancient Rome to life with a rich presentation of contemporary photography, computer renderings, timelines, and fascinating stories. She ties the past and the present together with enthusiasm and deep understanding. I watched it twice to soak up all the details! Look forward to meeting Livia and touring in person.

N
N.L. (Rhinebeck, US)
Jam-packed, brilliant presentation

I've seen more than 20 of Livia Galante's seminars. This one is certainly among her best! It's so full of new information from recent digs, historical perspective, and art to see (mosaics, sculptures, architecture) that I was dazzled. Catch it if you can next time.

R
R. (Palm Desert, US)
Excellent and interesting presentation

Lucia has an incredible range of knowledge about Roman history. I especially appreciated the renderings of how the buildings looked in antiquity. Looking forward to seeing another one of Lucia’s presentations.

L
L. (Saint Paul, US)
Excellent!!

We always thoroughly enjoy Livia’s presentations. She is very comprehensive and has an obvious passion for her subject matter. We sign up for her presentations every time we can.

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Customer Reviews

Based on 13 reviews
100%
(13)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
S
Sandra S -- Boston (Saugus, US)
Great Summary of Rome's History

Another wonderful seminar by Livia! The myths and facts of Rome's founding was outlined and accompanied with excellent graphics, photos, charts, and her descriptions. Loved her way to recall the names of all 7 of the hills of Rome! The time line schematic most informative. I enjoyed and learned from this seminar.

M
Maruchi Santana (Brooklyn, US)
Extraordinary Presentation

Livia brings ancient Rome to life with a rich presentation of contemporary photography, computer renderings, timelines, and fascinating stories. She ties the past and the present together with enthusiasm and deep understanding. I watched it twice to soak up all the details! Look forward to meeting Livia and touring in person.

N
N.L. (Rhinebeck, US)
Jam-packed, brilliant presentation

I've seen more than 20 of Livia Galante's seminars. This one is certainly among her best! It's so full of new information from recent digs, historical perspective, and art to see (mosaics, sculptures, architecture) that I was dazzled. Catch it if you can next time.

R
R. (Palm Desert, US)
Excellent and interesting presentation

Lucia has an incredible range of knowledge about Roman history. I especially appreciated the renderings of how the buildings looked in antiquity. Looking forward to seeing another one of Lucia’s presentations.

L
L. (Saint Paul, US)
Excellent!!

We always thoroughly enjoy Livia’s presentations. She is very comprehensive and has an obvious passion for her subject matter. We sign up for her presentations every time we can.

123