Palatine Hill, archaeological site on the Palatine in Rome, Italy
The Palatine is a hill in the historic center of Rome with extensive archaeological remains of imperial residences. The different terraces offer views over the Roman Forum and Circus Maximus while walking between the foundations and standing walls of several palace complexes.
Excavations in 1907 and 1948 uncovered huts used for funerary purposes between the 9th and 7th centuries BC, near the traditional founding date of Rome. Augustus, born on the hill, made it his residence from 27 BC, and Tiberius, Nero, the Flavians and Septimius Severus later built their palaces there.
Visitors today explore the remains of the domus of Livia, decorated with well-preserved frescoes from the early imperial period. These rooms still show the daily life of an aristocratic Roman family.
The site is large and uneven with ancient stairs and stone paths, so comfortable shoes are necessary. Visitors should plan several hours for the visit, and shade is limited especially in summer.
The hill's name is the root of the word "palace" and its cognates, from Italian palazzo to German Pfalz. The Latin adjective palatinus also gave English "palatine", an office title later tied to the German Palatinate, and "paladin", a knight of Charlemagne's Twelve Peers.
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