Rising above the Roman Forum, the Palatine Hill is one of Rome's Seven Hills and is suffused with myth, history, and grandeur. It's not just a place of breathtaking views but a symbol of Rome's foundation and the epicenter of its imperial splendor.
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According to Roman mythology, the Palatine Hill is where the she-wolf found the twins Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome. Raised by the wolf and later by a shepherd, Romulus eventually founded the city on the very hill where he was discovered, after killing his brother in a dispute.
Historically, the Palatine Hill is considered the birthplace of Rome, with evidence of habitation dating back to the 10th century BCE. It was initially home to aristocratic Romans before becoming the favored residential area of emperors.
The hill became synonymous with imperial power, hosting the grand palaces of several Roman emperors. The Palace of Augustus, Rome's first emperor, marked the beginning of the Palatine's transformation into an imperial residence. Emperor Domitian (81-96 CE) expanded the imperial complex with the construction of the Domus Augustana and the Domus Flavia, which included banquet rooms, gardens, and fountains.
Over the centuries, the Palatine Hill has continued to inspire artists, writers, and thinkers. It has been depicted in poetry, paintings, and operas, symbolizing the grandeur and decline of an empire.
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