Categoria: Rome
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Between Hills and Horizons: A Week in Italy
This past week in Italy unfolded between landscapes and conversations, from the serene setting of the Monastery of Siloe to the alpine air of Trento. At Siloe, I had the privilege of speaking once again about the excavations at Alberese, a project born out of friendship and the shared desire…
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Rediscovering an Emperor: Adriano. L’Imperatore buono
In the vast expanse of Roman history, few figures stand out quite like Emperor Hadrian. Known as a ruler who balanced power with philosophy, military prowess with a passion for the arts, Hadrian’s legacy has been celebrated for centuries. My book Adriano: L’Imperatore buono offers a refreshing and insightful take…
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An Ancient Stadium
The city of Rome conceals lesser-known monuments that escape the notice of the throngs of tourists who fill its streets on hot summer days. Special events offer the chance to explore the urban core, uncovering majestic structures whose walls whisper tales of old times, and in whose nooks one can…
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A Different Museum
The Forma Urbis Museum has recently commenced welcoming tourists to Rome. This intimate museum is situated just a few hundred meters from iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Arch of Constantine, within the most heavily visited area of the capital. Currently, there is a lack of clear signage,…
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Ancient Rome and the Modern Italian State
When I first set out to write this book, my vision was quite different. I had envisioned a sweeping exploration of four ancient cities and the fascinating ways in which archaeology has been employed to influence the present and mold national identities. Rome, being a familiar and captivating setting, naturally…
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Centrale Montemartini
Discovering remarkable museums in Rome proves to be an effortless endeavor. The renowned Capitoline Museums, the illustrious Vatican Museums, and a plethora of other establishments beckon tourists to embark on diverse explorations, spanning from the antiquarian era to exhibitions showcasing the city’s stratigraphic excavations. However, amidst these well-known institutions lies…
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The Abbey of the Three Fountains
Few would conceive the existence of a sanctuary nestled within Rome’s confines, adjacent to the EUR district yet enveloped in pastoral tranquility, where the cacophony of vehicular traffic and the bustling chatter of tourists dissipate into silence. The Abbey of the Three Fountains typically occupies a niche status, compelling visitors…
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A medieval house
When I began my journey at the University of Siena in 2000, the path towards my thesis remained uncertain. For three years prior, I excavated alongside a research group in Castel di Pietra, spending my last summers as a teenager amidst the remnants of ancient rooms, painstakingly removing contexts of…
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Tusculum
Experiencing ennui in Rome proves to be a formidable challenge, owing to the city’s abundant array of opportunities for delving into its historical narrative, architectural marvels, and cultural heritage. Furthermore, Rome boasts a plethora of diverse exhibitions catering to myriad interests, thereby catering to the intellectual and aesthetic inclinations of…
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A colossal awe
The experience of encountering the reconstructed Colossus of Constantine, prominently displayed within the verdant environs of Palazzo Caffarelli in Rome, evokes a profound sense of astonishment. Immersed within this setting, one is transported to a realm where the meticulously crafted proportions faithfully capture the essence of the grandeur sought during…
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Capo di Bove
Coming back to the Appian Way topic, the Capo di Bove site stands out as a place that sparks lots of interest from scholars. I first visited this area in 2017, during a key trip planned by my good friend Massimo Brando. At that time, I was getting ready for…
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Castrum Caetani
A recent excursion provided me with the opportunity to explore the historic Appian Way in Rome amidst the captivating ambiance of a spring day. The initial encounter was with the Castrum Caetani, a prominent monument previously observed only from exterior perspectives, now unveiled in its interior grandeur for the first…
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Visiting Professorship
Back in February 2024, I started my position as a Visiting Professor at the University of Tor Vergata, Rome. This proved to be a wonderful opportunity to connect again with Italy and the city of Rome. During my tenure there, I had the chance to meet with undergraduate and graduate…
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Back to the Colosseum
After nearly 8 years, I found myself back in Rome, but with a fresh perspective. Life had undergone significant changes, notably marked by the release of a book detailing the city’s urban evolution from 1870 to 1945. Viewing the monuments through new eyes allowed me to truly appreciate their intricate…
Alessandro Sebastiani 