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Amici di Italy Magazine,
The city of Rome has captured the imagination of the world for centuries. In its approximately twelve centuries of existence, Roman civilization shifted from a monarchy to an aristocratic republic to an increasingly autocratic empire and came to dominate Southern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Minor, North Africa and parts of Eastern Europe. Ancient Roman society contributed greatly to government, politics, warfare, art, literature, architecture, technology, religion, and language in the Western world.
But what about its origins?
Many theories have been offered as to why that particular site was chosen to build a city. But the most famous explanations is one shrouded in legend and myth; passed down from generation to generation and stretching back as far as Rome itself: The legend of Romulus and Remus.
L'Isola Tiberina (Tiber Island) was once the location of an ancient temple to Aesculapius, the Greek god of medicine and healing. To find out more about the role of Aesculapius in the history of this little island at the heart of Rome, do not miss Anne Harrison's article.
Finally, if you are planning to visit the Capitale in the near future discover the culinary delights of the quartiere Testaccio. Amber Pauline took us through an Epicurean Tour of the neighborhood whose food history extends a surprising 2205 years back to the Roman Republic when an Emporium was built along the banks of the Tiber river.
A presto!
ITALY team
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