Ancient Rome

Walking today in the past

This double folio map of Ancient Rome by van der Aa is a copy of the engraving Braun and Hogenberg, seen from the west bank. It presents the city in the 4th century again.

The print shows crisscross through the centuries:
• the lower left corner: the Circus Nero, location of the persecution and martyrdom of Peter and of the latter’s Christian persecution, now partly on the location of the current Basilica; just above the mausoleum of Hadrian (135-139) (now Castel Sant’Angelo) and its Circus Hadriani;
• on the other side of the river: the Mausoleum of Augustus (29 BC.), right next to it the Pantheon (118 -125) (today also the tomb of Raphael); somewhat below the Circus Agonalis (inaugurated by Dominitianus in 86, and the basis for its Capitoline Games; currently the Piazza Navona);
• almost at the riverfront the Theatrum Marcellus (completed 12 BC.) And slightly higher right the enormous Circus Maximus and to the right (now called Terms of Caracalla) Thermae Antoninianae and far right the pyramid (or mausoleum) of Caius Cestius (18 BC – 12 BC).;
• in the middle left: the column of Trajan (107-112), and to the right, the majestic Amphitheatrum Flavium or Colosseum (72-80);
• top left: the massive terms of Diocletian (298-306) and the outer wall of the barracks of the Praetorian guard;
• top right: the brick Amphitheatrum Castrense (dating back to beginning of the 3rd century, but at the end of the same century included in the new city wall under emperor Aurelianus).

Find out and enjoy!

Full title: Antiquae Romae Imago Accuratiss