Originally posted on July 11, 2012 by Canicus
The Palatine
The Palatine hill has probably been inhabited for 2,750 years. Roman tradition has it that Romulus had his “hut” there. There are some round building foundations that are about that old on the hill. That, plus the fact that later Romans held the area to be sacred and did not build there may lend some credibility to the tradition.
From the time of the Roman Republic on, this area was the “high rent” district, where the rich and famous lived. Eventually, in the era of emperors, the hill gave us the word “palace.” It should be remembered, though, that then (and now) a palace was more than the dwelling place of rulers. It provided places for certain events of State and offices (and residences) for bureaucrats. The ancient palace was not unlike the American White House.
It is fun to try to decide who the first Roman emperor was. Some say G. Julius Caesar, some would have Augustus Caesar be the first, and others Tiberius. The word “imperator” designates general of legions. There were imperatori who were not “emperors” in our sense. “Caesar” (from which modern languages get Kaisar and Tsar) is a family name, although beginning with Vespasian, it was bestowed on those we would surely call “emperors.”
Augustus Caesar (born G. Octavius, adopted as G. Julius Caesar Octavianus) eschewed royal titles, preferring to be known as Princeps, i.e., First Citizen. After the battle of Actium he was unquestionably the absolute ruler of the Roman Empire and probably the richest Roman. He did acquire a resident on the Palatine, much of which still stands today. It is quite modest by the standards of the day in keeping with that low key image he maintained in Rome. He did, however had several lavish villas outside of Rome. Next to Augustus’ house on the Palatine is a house owned by his wife, Liva. Roman women often exercised major power through their husbands, and Liva is a prime example. I am not sure whether Liva’s house – which is somewhat more lavish – was her house while Augustus lived, or whether she moved there after his death and when her son, Tiberius (the Caesar of the Gospels) was ruler.
I had planned more for today, but focused instead on the Palatine. I was feeling my age just getting there. It is a 125 foot climb from the level of the Coliseum to the top of the hill. I kept reminding myself that Augustus Caesar at my age climbed this hill virtually every day as he went home from a busy day in the forum.
Today the hotel elevator is not working. Getting internet access is a hassle. I have to get a new user name and password each day. But there is never anyone around to get it from. Tonight they wanted me to go to the fifth floor. I complained enough that they did the running up and down stairs.
Canicus Modius