Palestrina
The 7th century BC marked a turning point for the settlement that would become Praeneste. Excavations in the necropolis revealed major cultural advances during the Orientalising Period. Eastern imports appeared alongside close relationships with Etruria. The princely Barberini tomb, excavated in 1855, held contents of at least the same quality as those found in the cemeteries of Etruscan Caere. Ancient mythology connected the origin of Praeneste to Caeculus or other fabled characters such as Telegonus and Erulus. The name probably derives from the word Praenesteus, referring to its overlooking location. Early burials show that the site was already occupied in the 8th or 7th century BC. Of the objects found in the oldest graves dating from about the 7th century BC, cups of silver and silver-gilt were common. Most gold and amber jewellery pieces were Phoenician, possibly Carthaginian. Bronze items and some ivory articles seemed to be of the Etruscan civilization. The earliest settlement was probably a citadel on the top of the hill around which a cyclopean wall was built. Some portions of this ancient fortification remain visible today.
Praeneste withdrew from the Latin League in 499 BC according to Livy. This event marked its earliest historical mention. The town formed an alliance with Rome after which they won the Battle of Lake Regillus against thirty Latin states. After Rome was weakened by the Gauls of Brennus in 390 BC, Praeneste switched allegiances to stem Roman expansion into Latium. They fought against Rome in long struggles that culminated in the Latin War. From 373 to 370, it was in continual war against Rome or its allies. It was defeated by Cincinnatus during this period. In the Latin War of 340-338 BC, Praeneste fought with the Latin rebels against Rome to retain their remaining independence. After the defeat, Praeneste was punished by the loss of part of its territory. It became a city allied to Rome but equal, permitting Roman exiles to live there. Dating to this period are tombs from which come famous bronze boxes and hand mirrors. Some inscriptions were partly in Etruscan among which is the famous bronze Ficoroni Cista found in 1738. The inscription on it reads Novios Plautios made me in Rome, Dindia Macolnia gave me to her daughter. Praenestine graves from about 240 BC onwards are surmounted by characteristic cippus made of local stone.
Under the Empire, cool breezes of Praeneste made it a favorite summer resort for wealthy Romans. Their villas studded the neighborhood though they ridiculed the language and rough manners of native inhabitants. The poet Horace ranked cool Praeneste with Tibur and Baiae as favored resorts. Emperor Augustus stayed in Praeneste while Tiberius recovered there from a dangerous illness. He made it a municipium during his recovery. Emperor Marcus Aurelius was at Praeneste with his family when his seven-year-old son Verus died. Ruins of the imperial villa associated with Hadrian stand in the plain near church of S. Maria della Villa. They lie about three-quarters of a mile from the town. At the site was discovered statue of Braschi Antinous now in Vatican Museums. Gaius Appuleius Diocles lived in Praeneste after retirement and died there. He became one of most celebrated athletes in ancient history often cited as highest-paid athlete of all time. Pliny the Younger also had a villa at Praeneste. L. Aurelius Avianius Symmachus retired there. Inscriptions show that inhabitants of Praeneste were fond of gladiatorial shows.
In 1297, Colonna family revolted against Pope Boniface VIII. They had owned Praeneste from eleventh century as fief. In following year town taken by Boniface's Papal forces. It was razed to ground and salted by order of pontiff. In 1437 rebuilt city captured by Giovanni Vitelleschi condottiero in service of papacy. Once more utterly destroyed at command of Pope Eugenius IV. Rebuilt once more and fortified by Stefano Colonna in 1448. It was sacked in 1527 and occupied by Duke of Alba in 1556. In 1630 comune passed by purchase into Barberini family. Transfer likely included as condition of marriage between Taddeo Barberini and Anna Colonna. Famously nepotistic family headed by Maffeo Barberini treated comune as principality in own right. Patriarchs conferred title of Prince of Palestrina on various family members. During reign of Urban VIII, title became interchangeable with Commander of Papal Army. Wars of Castro ended while Taddeo Barberini held both titles. Members fled into exile after newly elected Pope Innocent X launched investigation. Later Barberini reconciled when Pope Innocent X elevated Carlo Barberini to cardinalate. Two members named Cardinal-Bishop of Diocese: Antonio Barberini and Francesco Barberini Junior.
Modern town built upon ruins of temple of Fortuna Primigenia. Sanctuary connected with oracle known as Praenestine lots. Forum area identified by archaeologists working in 1950s as original Forum of Ancient Praeneste. Buildings comprised central temple whose walls re-used for cathedral. A two-storey civil basilica consisted of four naves separated by columns once roofed but today open space. Façade included sundial described by Varro traces possibly still seen. Basilica flanked by easternmost apsidal hall containing raised podium suggesting suggestus. Public treasury aerarium identified by inscription dating it to around 150 BC. At some later date these buildings embellished with wonderful nymphaeum and magnificent mosaic floor. Western nymphaeum natural cave enlarged enriched through three niches. Roof embellished with artificial stalactites. Huge arch made of limestone blocks creates monumental entrance. Space front paved with extremely fine white mosaic. Main mosaic represents seascape featuring temple of Poseidon on shore characterized by altar and high column. Colorful realistic fish all kinds crustaceans molluscs swimming sea. Eastern nymphaeum decorated spectacular Nile mosaic scenes from Egyptian river now relaid uppermost terrace.
National Archaeological Museum housed inside Renaissance Barberini Palace former baronial palace built above ancient temple theatre. Exhibits most important works from ancient town of Praeneste. Famous sculpture Capitoline Triad exhibited first floor. Second floor dedicated necropolises and sanctuaries. Third floor contains large polychrome mosaic depicting flooding Nile. Obelisk erected reign Claudius fragments seen National Archaeological Museum. Calendar set up grammarian Marcus Verrius Flaccus imperial forum discovered 1771 ruins church Saint Agapitus used building material. Nile mosaic Palestrina realized artists Alexandria end second century BC. Enriched veil water nymphaea enhancing colors depiction. Water mountain channelled conduit under paving Via del Sole flowed behind rooms conveyed underground cistern. Massive wall middle monumental entrance city staircase flanked either side two enormous symmetrical monumental nymphaea. Only western so-called Propylaeum remains leading to forum. Monument lies big tuff moulded base complex structure basins niches fountains water features. Complex system internal conduits passages. At end via degli Arcioni enormous cistern Imperial Age built red clay-bricks. Niches front-side once decorated statues.
Palestrina scene 1849 action between Garibaldi Neapolitan army during defense Roman Republic. Center city destroyed Allied bombings World War II brought ancient remains sanctuary light. Thomas Mann spent time there 1895 two years later long harsh summer 1897 stayed over again brother Heinrich Mann. Sojourn provided backdrop nearly half-century later Adrian Leverkühn pact Devil Mann's novel Doktor Faustus. Dante Inferno makes reference advice given Guido da Montefeltro Pope Boniface VIII entice surrender Palestrina 1298 offering Colonna family amnesty. Amnesty never intended honored instead Palestrina razed ground. Voltaire novel Candide woman claims daughter Pope Urban X Princess Palestrina. Fictional account Garibaldi 1849 action appears Geoffrey Trease novel Follow My Black Plume. Twin towns include Füssen Germany Bièvres France since 2007. Population about 22,000 in Lazio east Rome connected Via Prenestina. Built ruins ancient city Praeneste sited spur Monti Prenestini mountain range central Apennines. Borders municipalities Artena Castel San Pietro Romano Cave Gallicano nel Lazio Labico Rocca di Cave Rocca Priora Rome San Cesareo Valmontone Zagarolo.
Common questions
When was the settlement of Praeneste first occupied and what cultural period marked its turning point?
The site was already occupied in the 8th or 7th century BC. The 7th century BC marked a turning point for the settlement that would become Praeneste during the Orientalising Period.
What happened to Praeneste when Colonna family revolted against Pope Boniface VIII in 1297?
In 1297, the Colonna family revolted against Pope Boniface VIII after owning Praeneste from the eleventh century as fief. In the following year, Papal forces took the town and it was razed to ground and salted by order of pontiff.
Who is Gaius Appuleius Diocles and why does he live in Praeneste?
Gaius Appuleius Diocles lived in Praeneste after retirement and died there. He became one of most celebrated athletes in ancient history often cited as highest-paid athlete of all time.
Where can visitors find the famous bronze Ficoroni Cista today and what inscription does it bear?
The famous bronze Ficoroni Cista found in 1738 bears an inscription reading Novios Plautios made me in Rome, Dindia Macolnia gave me to her daughter. It is now housed inside the National Archaeological Museum in Palestrina.
When did Thomas Mann spend time at Palestrina and how did this influence his work?
Thomas Mann spent time there 1895 two years later long harsh summer 1897 stayed over again brother Heinrich Mann. Sojourn provided backdrop nearly half-century later Adrian Leverkühn pact Devil Mann's novel Doktor Faustus.
All sources
10 references cited across the entry
- 2bookA Study of the Topography and Municipal History of PraenesteRalph Van Deman Magoffin — General Books LLC — 1908
- 3bookAb Urbe Condita LibriLivy
- 6webGreatest of All Time |Peter T. Struck — 2 August 2010
- 7webWealth of today's sports stars is 'no match for the fortunes of Rome's chariot racers'Murray Wardrop — 13 August 2010
- 10bookDivine Comedy 1 - HellDorothy L. Sayer — Penguine Classics — 1977