The Seven Hills on which ancient Rome was built
The Seven Hills of Rome are best known for being the ancient heart of the city. Located east of the Tiber River, these hills lie within the boundaries of ancient Rome, serving as the foundation for its historical and cultural legacy.
Which particular hill is considered the birthplace of Rome? And how did the Seven Hills influence Roman urban development?
In the article below, historians at World History Edu take an in-depth look at the historical significance and major landmarks that occupied these hills.
Overview of the Seven Hills
Aventine Hill (Collis Aventinus)
The Aventine Hill, known as Collis Aventinus in Latin and Aventino in Italian, is one of the most historically significant hills. Ancient temples dedicated to gods like Diana and Ceres were located here. In modern times, the Aventine is a serene neighborhood known for its stunning gardens and churches, including the Basilica of Santa Sabina.
Caelian Hill (Collis Caelius)
Originally referred to as Mons Querquetulanus, the Caelian Hill, or Celio in Italian, was a residential area during the Roman Republic. It became prominent for its luxurious villas and later, significant Christian churches like the Basilica of Santi Giovanni e Paolo.
Capitoline Hill (Mons Capitolinus)
The Capitoline Hill (Campidoglio in Italian) served as the religious and political center of ancient Rome. It housed the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus and became the site of Rome’s city hall during the Renaissance, with designs by Michelangelo. Today, it is a symbol of Rome’s enduring history.
Esquiline Hill (Collis Esquilinus)
The Esquiline Hill, or Esquilino, was originally a less desirable location due to its use as a burial ground. However, it later became a fashionable district for Rome’s elite. Nero’s Domus Aurea and the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore are notable landmarks here.
Palatine Hill (Collis Palatinus)
The Palatine Hill is traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Rome. According to legend, Romulus founded the city on this hill in 753 BC. It later became the home of emperors and aristocrats, with ruins of imperial palaces and archaeological wonders drawing visitors today.
How did Romulus address the population problem in Rome’s early years?
Quirinal Hill (Collis Quirinalis)
The Quirinal Hill, or Quirinale, was originally a settlement of the Sabines. Over time, it evolved into a hub for grand villas and temples. Today, it hosts the Quirinal Palace, the official residence of the Italian president.
Viminal Hill (Collis Viminalis)
The Viminal Hill, the smallest of the seven, served as a relatively quiet residential area in ancient times. Today, it is known for significant buildings like the Teatro dell’Opera and the Baths of Diocletian.
Other Prominent Hills in Rome
While the traditional Seven Hills form the heart of ancient Rome, other hills played important roles:
- Vatican Hill (Collis Vaticanus): Located northwest of the Tiber, this hill is now synonymous with the Vatican City and St. Peter’s Basilica.
- Pincian Hill (Mons Pincius): North of the city, this hill is famous for its scenic gardens and overlooks the Piazza del Popolo.
- Janiculan Hill (Janiculum): Positioned west of the Tiber, this hill offers panoramic views of Rome and served as a defensive position.
- Sacred Mount (Mons Sacer): Northeast of Rome, this hill is associated with early Roman conflicts and plebeian assemblies.
Historical Significance of the Seven Hills
Legend holds that Romulus and Remus established the city of Rome on the Palatine Hill on April 21, 753 BC. Initially, the seven hills housed separate communities. Over time, these settlements united, transforming marshy valleys between the hills into marketplaces (fora).
By the 4th century BC, the Servian Walls were constructed to protect the growing city, encompassing the seven hills and solidifying their place in Rome’s urban landscape.
In contemporary Rome, the Seven Hills remain vibrant parts of the city. The Capitoline hosts the city’s government, while the Palatine serves as an archaeological treasure. Other hills boast a mix of parks, monuments, and bustling neighborhoods, blending Rome’s ancient past with its modern character.
The Septimontium Festival
Separate from the Seven Hills is the Septimontium, a proto-urban festival celebrating Rome’s early communities. The festival highlights peaks associated with the seven communities:
- Cispian Hill
- Oppian Hill
- Fagutal Hill
- Palatium
- Cermalus
- Velian Hill
- Caelian Hill
These locations, distinct from the traditional Seven Hills, illustrate the complex development of Rome’s topography.
Did you know…?
Rome’s reputation as the “City of Seven Hills” has inspired other cities worldwide to adopt similar monikers. Examples include:
- Sheffield (UK)
- Istanbul (Turkiye)
- Lisbon (Portugal)
- Providence (USA)
- Worcester, Somerville, and Newton (Massachusetts, USA)
This symbolic association with seven hills reflects Rome’s enduring influence on urban identity.
The “Whore of Babylon” and Other References
In the Book of Revelation, the “Whore of Babylon” (also known as Babylon the Great) is described as sitting on seven mountains. This is often interpreted as a reference to the Seven Hills of Rome and the pagan Roman Empire. Protestant interpretations later associated this imagery with the Catholic Church.
The Seven Hills have appeared in films, books, and documentaries, reinforcing their mythical and historical allure as symbols of power, unity, and heritage.
They are central to Rome’s identity, attracting millions of tourists to landmarks like the Capitoline Museums, Palatine archaeological park, and Aventine’s serene gardens.
The last king of Rome before the establishment of the Roman Republic
Frequently Asked Questions about the Seven hills of Rome
Why are some hills excluded from the Seven Hills?
Hills like the Vatican, Pincian, Janiculan, and Sacred Mount lie outside the ancient city’s boundaries and are therefore not part of the traditional Seven Hills.
What is the historical significance of the Seven Hills?
Romulus and Remus are said to have founded Rome on the Palatine Hill in 753 BC. Early settlements on the Seven Hills unified, drained the valleys, and created markets, forming the city of Rome.
What is the Septimontium festival?
The Septimontium was a proto-urban festival celebrating seven peaks, including parts of the Esquiline and Palatine Hills, distinct from the Seven Hills traditionally recognized.
What are notable modern uses of the Seven Hills?
The Aventine, Caelian, Esquiline, Quirinal, and Viminal Hills host monuments, buildings, and parks. The Capitoline Hill houses Rome’s city hall, while the Palatine Hill is a key archaeological site.
What is the biblical connection to the Seven Hills?
In the Book of Revelation, the “Whore of Babylon” is depicted sitting on seven mountains, interpreted as a reference to the Seven Hills of Rome and the Roman Empire.
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