Caelian Hill

The Caelian Hill,
one of the seven hills of Rome
In Latin / Italian Mons Caelius /
Celio
Rione Celio
Buildings Baths of Caracalla,
Villa Celimontana
Churches Santi Giovanni e Paolo,
Santo Stefano Rotondo,
San Gregorio Magno,
San Tommaso in Formis,
Santa Maria in Domnica
People Tullus Hostilius, Caelius Vibenna, Servius Tullius

The Caelian Hill (Latin Mons Caelius, Italian Celio) is one of the famous Seven Hills of Rome. Under reign of Tullus Hostilius, the entire population of Alba Longa was forcibly resettled on the Caelian Hill.[1] According to a tradition recounted by Titus Livy, the hill received its name from Caelius Vibenna, either because he established a settlement there or because his friend Servius Tullius wished to honor him after his death.

In Republican-era Rome the Caelian Hill was a fashionable residential district and the site of residences of the wealthy. Archeological work under the Baths of Caracalla have uncovered the remains of lavish villas complete with murals and mosaics. The Caelian is also the site of the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo and the ancient basilica of Santo Stefano Rotondo, known for its centralized, circular plan. A significant area of the hill is taken up by the villa and gardens of Villa Celimontana.

See also

References

  1. ^ Titus Livy. "28-30". From the Founding of the City: Book 1: The Earliest Legends of Rome. Canon Roberts (translator). http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/From_the_Founding_of_the_City/Book_1#28. Retrieved 23 January 2011. 

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