Definition: The Esquiline was the largest of the seven hills of Rome.
Its claim to fame comes from Nero who built his domus aurea (golden house) upon it. Before the Empire, the eastern end of the Esquiline was used for dumping refuse and the burial pits (puticuli) of the poor. Criminals were executed by the Esquiline gate, and their carcasses left to the birds. Burial was forbidden within the city proper and the burial area of the Esquiline was outside the city walls. For health reasons, Augustus had the burial pits covered over with soil to create a park called the Horti Maecenatis (Garden of Maecanas).
Its claim to fame comes from Nero who built his domus aurea (golden house) upon it. Before the Empire, the eastern end of the Esquiline was used for dumping refuse and the burial pits (puticuli) of the poor. Criminals were executed by the Esquiline gate, and their carcasses left to the birds. Burial was forbidden within the city proper and the burial area of the Esquiline was outside the city walls. For health reasons, Augustus had the burial pits covered over with soil to create a park called the Horti Maecenatis (Garden of Maecanas).
Sources: Mons Esquilinus, Johnston's Private Life of the Romans, Ch. 14
Go to Other Ancient / Classical History Glossary pages beginning with the letter
a | b | c | d | e | f | g | h | i | j | k | l | m | n | o | p | q | r | s | t | u | v | wxyzAlso Known As: Mons Esquilinus, Collis Esquilinus
