Lanuvium

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Lanuvium (more frequently Lanivium in Imperial Roman times, modern Civita Lavinia) is an ancient city of Latium, some 32 km southeast of Rome, a little southwest of the Via Appia.

Lanuvium was situated on an isolated hill projecting south from the main mass of the Alban Hills, and commanding an extensive view over the low country between it and the sea. It was one of the members of the Latin League, and remained independent until conquered by Rome in 338 BC. At first it did not enjoy the right of Roman citizenship, but acquired it later; and even in imperial times its chief magistrate and municipal council kept the titles of dictator and senatus respectively.

It was especially famous for its rich and much venerated temple of Juno Sospes, from which Octavian borrowed money in 31 BC, and the possessions of which extended as far as the seacoast. It possessed many other temples, repaired by Antoninus Pius, who was born close by, as was also Commodus.

Remains of the ancient theatre and of the city walls exist in the modern village, and above it is an area surrounded by a portico, in opus reticulatum, upon the north side of which is a rectangular building in opus quadratum, probably connected with the temple of Juno. Here archaic decorative terracottas were discovered in excavations carried on by Lord Savile. The acropolis of the primitive city was probably on the highest point above the temple to the north. The neighborhood, which is now covered with vineyards, contains remains of many Roman villas, one of which is traditionally attributed to Antoninus Pius.

[edit] References

• This article incorporates text from the Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition, a publication now in the public domain.