the palatine hill

the palatine hill was one of the earliest sites of settlement at rome, where the earliest romans built round huts to form a small village. throughout the roman period, a few of these huts were preserved and repaired, to demonstrate the humble beginnings of their empire. rome's first emperor, caesar augustus, decided to construct his palaceson its heights, overlooking the roman forum, and emperors after him added onto it. it is from the word for the hill, in fact, that we get our word "palace" for a royal residence.

it wasn't only the roman emperors who thought the palatine hill provided a good location. this palace was built in the 16th century a.d. by the renaissance cardinal alessandro farnese, nephew of pope paul iii.

among the ruins on the palatine hill is this stadium, used for private races for the emperors and their guests.

remnants of foundations show how the floors of the palace buildings were heated by forced air.

there are even some remains of marble floors.