The Eternal City of Rome, long celebrated for its unforgettable imprints on art, architecture, culture, law, and global politics, boasts an intriguing topography featuring seven prominent hills. These hillsides, steeped in history and fables, shaped one of the world’s most influential civilizations and continue to draw the wonderment of scholars, historians, and tourists alike.
History of the Seven Hills of Rome
The city of Rome holds a rich, ancient history steeped in fascinating legends. According to traditional stories, the original city was established by Romulus and Remus on the Palatine Hill on April 21, 753 BC. Initially, the seven hills of Rome were inhabited by small, non-associated settlements. Over time, the settlers on these hills began to interact, fostering a sense of unity among the groups. This unification gradually led to the transformation of the marshy valleys separating these hills into marketplaces, known as ‘fora’ in Latin. The city of Rome thus emerged as these individual settlements began to function collectively.
To ensure the security of these seven hills, the Servian Walls were constructed in the early 4th century BC. Today, the cityscape of modern Rome is adorned by monumental structures, buildings, and parks, located on five of these seven hills, namely the Aventine, Caelian, Esquiline, Quirinal, and Viminal Hills. Rome’s city hall is positioned atop the Capitoline Hill, while Palatine Hill, the birthplace of Rome, now forms part of the chief archaeological area.
Importance of the Seven Hills of Rome
Beyond defense, the seven hills were deeply intertwined with the cultural and political life of the ancient Romans. Each hill was known for a specific attribute or landmark and housed different communities and social classes. Most importantly, the individuality of these hills fostered diversity and cultural fusion, turning Rome into a cosmopolitan powerhouse of the ancient world.
The distinct fortification afforded by these hills allowed the early settlements to survive invasions, eventually flourish, and create an empire. Each hill community contributed to Rome’s development by providing unique skills and resources. The Palatine hill, for instance, known as the “first nucleus of the Roman Empire”, housed the residences of emperors and aristocrats, turning into a political power center.
The Most Important Hill
Whilst each hill had its significance, the Capitoline Hill was arguably the most important in ancient Rome. It was the center of Roman religion, housing the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, the most significant temple of the Roman state religion. Additionally, this hill served as the symbolic and literal heart of Rome, where the city’s early laws and decrees were proclaimed.
The Vatican and the Seven Hills
Contrary to common misconceptions, The Vatican, the center of the Catholic Church, does not sit on the seven hills of Rome, although it is located within the city’s borders. It rests on the Vatican Hill, a site unmentioned in the traditional list of Rome’s seven hills.
Aventine Hill
The southernmost of the seven hills, Aventine Hill was a center of social activities, known for its grand temples and tranquil gardens. This hill boasts a long-standing association with the plebeians, who often gathered here during their strife for political parity.
Caelian Hill
Caelian Hill, known for its lush green parks and vital military installations, was primarily a residential area. It housed the affluent in its ornate villas and broad avenues, making it a symbol of wealth and prestige.
Capitoline Hill
The Capitoline Hill was a bustling political and religious center of ancient Rome. Home to the momentous Temple of Jupiter, this hill was a site for important state decisions and religious rituals. Today, it continues to be a dynamic center, housing Rome’s City Hall and the famed Capitoline Museums.
Esquiline Hill
The Esquiline Hill was one of the most densely populated hills, with a mixture of luxurious villas and slum dwellings. Of special significance are the beautiful gardens of Maecenas and the vast necropolis discovered beneath it.
Palatine Hill
Dubbed as the ‘first nucleus of the Roman Empire’, Palatine Hill is where Rome’s foundation myth, involving Romulus and Remus, is situated. It was a popular location for imperial palaces, showcasing the opulence and might of the Roman Empire.
Quirinal Hill
Quirinal Hill, once a site for the Villas of Rome’s wealthiest citizens, later became a political center. It was known for its temple dedicated to Quirinus, a god associated with the early Roman state. Today, it houses the official residence of the President of Italy, the Quirinal Palace.
Viminal Hill
The Viminal is the smallest of Rome’s seven hills. Despite its size, it held significance due to its location along a major transportation route. Viminal Hill is the site of several important structures, including the Baths of Diocletian and the Termini Station, Rome’s primary railway hub.
The seven hills of Rome are more than mere geographical features; they are the citadels of mythology, symbolism, and the historical narrative of Roman civilization. Examining them gives us an insight into Rome’s grandeur that was shaped not just by great leaders and philosophers but also by the seven hills it was built upon.
