Bovillae,
the modern Frattocchie-Boville, one of the thirty towns of the ancient Latin League,
was initially a colony of Alba Longa (like Rome, in a previous stage). After the
destruction of Alba Longa the sacra were transferred to Bovillae, including the cult of
Vesta (in inscriptions Virgines Vestales Albanae are mentioned) and that of the
Gens Julia, the family clan of Julius Caesar. Remains of
buildings of the imperial period - the circus, a small theatre, and edifices probably
connected with the post-station - may still be found.
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The circus or stadium was built by Tiberius to commemorate his
predecessor Augustus. The latter was born in Velitrae (modern Velletri), yet as he
belonged to the Gens Julia once he died in Nola in 14 AD his dead body was first brought
to Bovillae before being escorted by the knights to the Mausoleum bearing his name in
Rome.
Nowadays only three arches of the stadium are extant. They were called
"carceres", and they were the starting grid of competitors riding horses. |
The
archaeological area stretches over a green district, between the Appia and the Nettunense
roads, endowed with vineyards (where from the famous "Gotto d'Oro" wines
originate), with century-old olive groves, biking and walking paths bordering mannerly old
country homes.
You also find the Dallas
University, perfectly entwined with the environment, attended by overseas scholars,
interested in the unobtainable heritage. Panoramic views of the Roman Castles, of Castel
Gandolfo (the Pope summer residence), and of Monte Cavo (where the Temple of Latium
Jupiter once stood) complete the picture, recalling the ancient heritage. |
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