Publications
Mineralized carbonates contribute to the millennial durability of Roman concrete
Roman concrete's millennial durability is significantly enhanced by carbonation, not just the pozzolanic reaction. A study of Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli, Italy, reveals that calcite cementation and radiaxial fibrous calcite formation from atmospheric CO2 and moisture reinforce structural strength and occlude porosity, offering potential for modern concrete resilience. The research used multiscale spectroscopic and tomographic approaches to analyze the concrete's microstructure, uncovering its self-healing properties and sustainable construction implications.
Villa Adriana as Collection. Hearst Castle and The Getty Center
Villa Adriana, an ancient Roman site built by Emperor Hadrian near Tivoli, has evolved into a powerful symbol inspiring modern literature, film, and architecture. Its influence extends to contemporary structures like Hearst Castle and the Getty Center, both designed as 'villa-museums' that blend art, history, and identity. While Hearst Castle reflects a collector's desire to control history through eclectic styles, the Getty Center reimagines ancient concepts with modern design elements such as travertine stone and overlapping grids. This essay highlights Villa Adriana's enduring legacy as a timeless link between past and present, demonstrating its capacity to inspire new narratives and spaces.
A Portrait Bust of Julia Mamaea from the Pantanello of Hadrian’s Villa?
A portrait bust of Julia Mamaea, likely originating from the Pantanello at Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana) in Tivoli, has been identified through analysis of 18th-century antiquarian records and collection histories. The study suggests that this bust, now housed in Potsdam’s Schloss Sanssouci, was part of a collection acquired by Cardinal Polignac before being transferred to Frederick II of Prussia. This finding strengthens the evidence linking Julia Mamaea, a prominent figure in the Severan dynasty, to Hadrian’s Villa, further illuminating its use during the early 3rd century. The research combines antiquarian sources with provenance tracking to reconstruct the bust’s journey and its significance within the villa’s imperial portrait sequence.
La testa del Doriforo dalla “Palestra” di Villa Adriana a Tivoli
A newly discovered head of the Doryphoros, unearthed during excavations at Hadrian's Villa (Villa Adriana) in Tivoli, Italy, reveals a dual purpose for the site's 'Palestra'—serving both as an athletic training space and a cult area. The analysis suggests that the inclusion of this iconic Polykleitos sculpture, along with other works attributed to the ancient Greek sculptor, reflects Hadrian's imperial patronage and a deliberate connection to classical art. This finding supports Pirro Ligorio's original identification of the Palestra, while also highlighting its significance in housing statues of Egyptian deities, thereby enriching our understanding of the villa's multifunctional design and its cultural context.
The Liceo area - a forgotten but essential part of Hadrian's villa
New evidence from the Liceo area, south of Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli, reveals that its buildings—including recently excavated thermae (Building A), an ambulatorium, and two large cisterns—were integral to the imperial estate. Analysis of their location, chronology, and function suggests direct connection to both the late Republican predecessor villa and Hadrian’s later expansion, challenging long-standing assumptions about the area's exclusion from state-protected archaeological zones. The study, based on Norwegian-Swedish fieldwork (2011–2015), sheds light on a neglected but essential component of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
An urban image in an urbanized landscape: measuring the visual impact of Tibur's amphitheater
A novel GIS visibility analysis reveals that Tibur's amphitheater, though extramural and infrequently used, significantly amplified the city's urban image from a distance. This monumental structure not only integrated suburban growth into the older urban center but also emphasized the city's status as both an annex of Rome and an autonomous municipium. The study quantifies its visual impact using empirical and qualitative scales adapted from modern assessments, demonstrating how it monumentalized alternative routes frequented by the villa-owning elite, thereby countering the ambiguous civic identity of Tibur.
The Liceo of Hadrian's villa - an important key to the understanding of its water supply
New archaeological evidence from the Liceo area of Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli reveals that its water supply infrastructure, including aqueducts and cisterns, was integral to the imperial complex. The study, based on Norwegian-Swedish fieldwork (2011–2015), demonstrates that buildings like Building A—a recently excavated structure with thermae—were functionally linked to Hadrian’s Villa or its late Republican predecessor. This challenges previous assumptions about the area's independence and underscores its role in the villa's hydraulic system, particularly around the Ferrata water source.
The Plutonium Project, Hadrian's Villa, Tivoli (Comune di Tivoli, Provincia di Roma, Regione Lazio)
Recent excavations at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli, Italy, specifically in the Plutonium area, have shed new light on the architectural and symbolic significance of this ancient complex. The Plutonium, traditionally interpreted as a reproduction of the Underworld, was investigated through two trenches (T and D) during a two-week excavation from June 27 to July 16, 2022. Trench T, located on a high podium within the built-up complex, revealed structural details that contribute to understanding the villa's layout and function. Meanwhile, Trench D connected previous excavations, providing insights into the semicircular structure projecting southwest of the Plutonium's front. This research, conducted by the Universities of Pavia and Oxford, aims to deepen our knowledge of Hadrian's Villa, one of Rome's most significant UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
An innovative approach for provenancing ancient white marbles: the contribution of x-ray diffraction to disentangling the origins of Göktepe and Carrara marbles
A novel, low-cost, and minimally destructive method using X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) has been developed to distinguish between Göktepe marble from Turkey and Carrara marble from Italy, two historically significant white marbles used in Roman sculptures. This approach leverages refined unit cell parameters of calcite, offering a quick and efficient alternative to the traditional geochemical analysis that relies on strontium content. The method was validated using 18 known samples (9 from each quarry) and successfully applied to archaeological artefacts, including sculptures from Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli and the National Archaeological Museum of Venice. The study demonstrates that this XRPD technique can reliably solve provenance issues in ancient marbles, providing a promising routine procedure for future research.
Fragments of Roman Sculptures from Hadrian's Villa
A rare discovery of 12 Roman sculpture fragments, preserved at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli, sheds light on imperial portraiture and artistic practices. Among these, ten depict notable figures such as Hadrian, Antinous, Commodus, Caracalla, and possibly Elagabalus, while another fragment features a head with a ringlet hairstyle, potentially representing a female family member or servant. The twelfth fragment is the only known replica of a head also housed in the Louvre, suggesting both are Roman copies of a lost Hellenistic original. This study contributes to understanding the circulation and replication of sculpture during the Roman period by analyzing these fragments through art historical methods.
Frammenti di lastre Campana dal Palazzo di Villa Adriana: analisi e interpretazione iconografica
Rare fragments of Campana tiles, depicting the iconographic motif of Victory on a chariot, were uncovered during excavations at the Palazzo di Villa Adriana in Tivoli. These terracotta architectural elements, uncommon in the site's context, provide valuable insights into the villa's decorative schemes and stylistic influences. The study employs formal and stylistic comparisons to interpret the fragments' significance, contributing to our understanding of Roman iconography and its diffusion during the imperial period.
The Time in Villa Adriana in Tivoli
A philosophical and historical analysis of Villa Adriana in Tivoli reveals the enduring impact of time on its ruins, echoing Denis Diderot's 18th-century reflection that only time persists amidst decay. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, integrating architectural history, material science, and cultural studies to dissect how the villa's remnants symbolize both impermanence and temporal permanence. By examining structural degradation, historical documentation, and symbolic interpretations, the research underscores Villa Adriana's significance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where the interplay of time, architecture, and human perception creates a profound narrative of heritage conservation.
Tivoli, Hadrian's Villa: The Plutonium Project (Comune di Tivoli, Provincia di Roma, Regione Lazio)
A significant reinterpretation of the Plutonium area at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli challenges traditional views, suggesting it may not solely represent the Underworld but could also symbolize other mythological or natural landscapes. This study, conducted by researchers from the Universities of Pavia and Oxford, employed advanced archaeological methods to analyze the spatial organization and iconography of the site. By integrating historical sources with modern analytical techniques, the team uncovered new insights into the villa's design and its connection to Roman imperial ideology. The findings contribute to a deeper understanding of how Hadrian, one of Rome's most influential emperors, used architecture to reflect his cultural and political aspirations.
Cryptoporticus. La rete delle strade diventa sotterranea a Villa Adriana, Tivoli
A hidden network of underground pathways, known as cryptoportica, has been uncovered at Villa Adriana in Tivoli, revealing the architectural sophistication of Hadrian's Imperial Villa. These subterranean roads, once part of a surface-level system, provide structural support and intricate connectivity within the monument. Through digital surveys and high-resolution photography, researchers have documented the complexity of this ancient infrastructure, offering new insights into its design and function. The study highlights how these pathways integrated seamlessly with the villa's urban-like layout, demonstrating advanced engineering in Roman architecture.
From the General Documentation of Hadrian's Villa to Design Analysis of Complex Cupolas: a Procedural Approach
A novel procedural approach leveraging Catmull-Clark bicubic surfaces and Visual Programming Language (VPL) has successfully reconstructed the original shapes of complex cupolas at Hadrian's Villa. This method, integrating sensor data from 2013, provides scholars with reliable models for interpreting, restoring, and maintaining these structures. The study highlights the importance of reverse modeling applications in understanding the geometric conception behind apparently irregular cupolas, offering a robust framework for interdisciplinary research.
The Artistic Trade and Networks of the Italian Community in London Around 1800
Italian artist Benedetto Pastorini's 1778 print, depicting a bas-relief from Hadrian's Villa (Tivoli), reveals the cultural exchange and artistic networking between Italian expatriates and British society around 1800. Pastorini, who migrated to London in the 1760s through collaboration with the Adam brothers, integrated into the Italian artistic community there, working alongside Francesco Bartolozzi. His work exemplifies the commercial transfer of aesthetic values from Italy to Britain during this period. The print's caption also reflects a fascination with Roman antiquity and its perceived connection to British heritage. Pastorini's later engravings of Leonardo da Vinci drawings further highlight the enduring transnational collaboration among Italian artists in London, underscoring the significance of Hadrian's Villa as both an artistic inspiration and a symbol of shared cultural history.
The Grid and the Labyrinth: from Ancient Rome to Modern Architecture
Contrary to conventional architectural wisdom, the grid and labyrinth are not opposing forces but have coexisted throughout history, including in ancient Roman architecture. A study of Hadrian's Villa at Tivoli reveals that even seemingly irrational, labyrinthine designs can emerge from rational planning systems, challenging assumptions about order versus complexity. The research employs a comparative approach, analyzing the spatial organization and cultural context of the villa to demonstrate how structured grids and labyrinthine elements coexisted in Roman architecture, offering insights into Hadrian's masterful integration of these design principles.
Nuovi neogeografi crescono con il progetto di alternanza scuola-lavoro “conoscere per conoscerci”
A project integrating neogeographic practices into educational settings demonstrates the potential of digital storytelling and participatory cartography to enhance learning about UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The initiative, 'Conoscere per conoscerci,' involved students from three schools in Rome and its province using smartphones and online applications to map Villa Adriana (Tivoli), among other locations, during a GISDay event. This approach showcased how modern neogeographic tools can facilitate the creation of user-generated maps and promote innovative educational methods, bridging traditional geography with contemporary digital practices.
The Maritime Theatre at Hadrian's Villa and Its Decoration
A groundbreaking digital survey of the Maritime Theatre at Hadrian's Villa reveals the intricate design and historical significance of its mixtilinear architecture. This circular 'domus' showcases Hadrianic architectural innovation, blending curved and straight lines in both plan and elevation. The study uncovers how complex entablatures designed by Hadrian's architects were systematically removed and reused from the Middle Ages onward, with fragments now scattered across Europe. By creating a 3D analytical model that integrates digitally gathered elements, researchers have deepened our understanding of this emblematic structure, shedding light on its architectural inspiration and historical impact.
The Symbolic Use of Light in Hadrianic Architecture and the 'Kiss of the Sun
Research reveals that three significant Roman monuments—Villa Adriana, the Mausoleum of Hadrian (Castel Sant'Angelo), and the Pantheon—exhibit rare luminous phenomena tied to astronomical events such as solstices, with precise symbolic meanings. These occurrences, documented for the first time, include the 'Kiss of the Sun,' a phenomenon where sunlight aligns in specific ways during key Roman calendar dates. The study highlights how Hadrianic architecture deliberately incorporated celestial alignments, despite the lack of written sources on Roman oriented buildings and their illuminations. By analyzing these monuments, the research provides ancient documentation of symbolic light use, offering insights into the cultural and astronomical significance embedded in Roman design.
Guidelines for a Digital Reinterpretation of Architectural Restoration Work: Reality-Based Models and Reverse Modelling Techniques Applied to the Architectural Decoration of the Teatro Marittimo, Villa Adriana
A digital reinterpretation of the architectural restoration work at the Teatro Marittimo, part of Villa Adriana (Tivoli), reveals inconsistencies and errors in the 1950s anastylosis process. This study leverages advanced surveying techniques—including laser scanning and photogrammetry—to reconstruct the original layout of fragmented decorations, particularly focusing on the frieze's miscellaneous elements. By analyzing the opus caementicium remains, researchers identify reference surfaces and cross-sections to achieve precise fragment placement, offering a more accurate restoration model. This approach provides critical insights into the challenges posed by past restoration efforts and sets guidelines for future digital reinterpretations of similar architectural sites.
Le rappresentazioni planimetriche di Villa Adriana tra XVI e XVIII secolo
A groundbreaking analysis of the earliest planimetric representations of Villa Adriana (Tivoli), spanning from the 16th to 18th centuries, reveals unprecedented insights into the architectural and decorative innovations of Emperor Hadrian’s imperial estate. This study identifies novel findings from the works of key figures such as Pirro Ligorio, Francesco Contini, Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Jacques Gondoin, and Francesco Piranesi, offering new indicators for archaeological and historical-architectural research. By rigorously comparing these historical depictions with current evidence, the research provides a fresh perspective on the evolution of scholarly interpretations over two centuries, enriching our understanding of this monumental site.
Pedro Cano e il Teatro Marittimo di Villa Adriana
Spanish artist Pedro Cano's 2016 watercolor, 'Teatro Marittimo di Villa Adriana,' offers a vivid and meaningful depiction of the Maritime Theatre at Hadrian's Villa (Tivoli), Italy. This artwork is part of a broader series illustrating ancient Greek and Roman theatres and amphitheatres, drawing from Cano's extensive study of the site, including a 1980s sketchbook and a set of twelve etchings featuring additional structures within the complex. The watercolor, measuring 160 x 100 cm, reflects Cano's deep engagement with the architectural and historical significance of Hadrian's Villa, which served as the stage for Maurizio Scaparro's 1989 production 'Le Memorie di Adriano,' inspired by Marguerite Yourcenar's novel. This artistic interpretation provides a unique lens to explore the intersection of history, performance, and visual representation at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3D Digital Models for Scientific Purpose
Advanced 3D digital modeling techniques offer a reliable method for analyzing and reconstructing complex historical structures, particularly those with deteriorated or altered conservation states. This approach was successfully applied to the Octagonal Hall of Small Baths at Hadrian's Villa in Tivoli, Italy—a monument renowned for its intricate vault designs and innovative building techniques. By integrating reverse modeling procedures with standard design analysis and archaeological investigation protocols, researchers demonstrated how detailed digital reconstructions can provide scientifically grounded insights into the original construction methods and structural integrity of such sites. The study highlights the potential of these models to support accurate conservation efforts and historical interpretation.
Villa Adriana, esperienze di rilievo digitale ed analisi per il restauro e la musealizzazione dell’Edificio dei Pilastri Dorici
A digital surveying project using 3D laser scanning technology has revealed structural inadequacies in the 1956 reconstruction of the Doric pillar peristyle at Villa Adriana, an ancient Roman imperial residence. This finding underscores the need for critical reassessment of restoration practices to balance preservation with historical accuracy. The study proposes an innovative approach to site enhancement, integrating interactive technological devices such as touchscreens and projections to immerse visitors in a multilevel learning experience that spans historical and scientific analysis. Unlike traditional passive exposure to artifacts or drawings, this method enables users to 'travel back in time' to the Hadrianic period, offering deeper engagement with the site's heritage.
Unusual Examples of Sophisticated Iron Technology in the Heating Systems of Roman Imperial Baths
Roman imperial baths showcased advanced iron technology, as evidenced by sophisticated heating systems that utilized intricate metal grids and supports. A previously undocumented device was uncovered in the Villa of Giulia, where concrete floors were supported by an iron grid held by vertical posts, enabling hot air circulation while bearing structural loads. Similarly, a curvilinear metal grid with hooks created vaulted spaces for air movement in calidaria (hot baths). Analysis of two vaulted systems at Villa Adriana, Tivoli, revealed precise construction techniques requiring meticulous planning. The study highlights the Romans' mastery of metallurgy and architectural innovation, culminating in the grandest example—a hanging ceiling over Caracalla's Baths in Rome—demonstrating nearly a century of refinement in this technology.
A new Gis-based map of villa Adriana, a multimedia guide for ancient paths
Researchers from the University of Roma Tre have developed a comprehensive GIS-based map and multimedia guide for Villa Adriana, revealing the villa's original layout and ancient pathways. This innovative approach integrates georeferenced plans, 3D reconstructions, photogrammetry, and augmented reality to provide real-time information about the villa's structure, functions, and historical users. The study combines extensive surveys, including orthophotos and recent excavations, with a detailed database that maps original functions, paving, user paths, and underground tunnels. A mobile app serves as an interactive guide, offering insights into Villa Adriana's past through 3D models and historical data, enhancing cultural heritage evaluation and public engagement.
The Niobid project: Digital modeling and restoration of a complex sculptural group at Hadrian's Villa
A groundbreaking digital restoration of the Niobid sculptural group, originally displayed at Hadrian's Villa, reveals new insights into its ancient context and artistic significance. The project employed advanced scanning techniques to reconstruct 16 statues—depicting Niobe, her children, and a Pedagogue figure—based on surviving Roman copies. By virtually reassembling the group, researchers have provided a clearer understanding of how this mythological narrative was visually interpreted in Hadrian's imperial residence, offering fresh perspectives on both the sculpture's original presentation and its cultural implications during the Roman Empire.
Modelos con Nivel de Detalle Variable Realizados Mediante un Levantamiento Digital Aplicados a la Arqueología
A novel methodology for optimizing digital survey data in archaeology has been developed, enabling the creation of high-geometric-detail digital models through laser scanning. This approach allows for interactive assembly and variable-level detail representation, significantly advancing archaeological documentation techniques. The study focuses on the Villa Adriana in Tivoli particularly examining the intricate decoration of Emperor Hadrian's Maritime Theatre. By leveraging these methods, researchers can more accurately capture and analyze complex architectural features, offering new insights into historical structures.
The Digital Hadrian's Villa Project: Using virtual worlds to control suspected solar alignments
Virtual world technology has been successfully applied to validate a suspected solar alignment at Hadrian's Villa. The study, conducted by the Digital Hadrian's Villa Project, confirmed that the sun's position at sunset during the summer solstice in 117-138 CE aligns with the tower structure Roccabruna. This finding demonstrates the utility of virtual world technology in archaeological research, offering a precise method to test historical hypotheses related to solar alignments and ancient architecture.
Hadrian, Hellenism, and the Social History of Art
Hadrian's portrayal as a 'philhellenic' emperor, often depicted with a beard to symbolize Greekness, may be more complex than previously thought. This study challenges the notion that his cultural patronage was solely driven by admiration for classical Greece, suggesting instead that his visual representation reflects broader Roman imperial imagery, including that of generals and deities like Jupiter and Mars. The research examines surviving visual records, such as a statue from Hierapytna in Crete, which depicts Hadrian as a cuirassed general trampling a barbarian—contrasting with the literary portrayal of him as a Renaissance man. By analyzing both textual and material culture, including the debunking of a 19th-century pastiche image, this study argues that Hadrian's cultural identity was more nuanced, shaped by Roman military and political symbolism rather than purely Hellenic aspirations.
New discoveries with geophysics in the Accademia of Hadrian's Villa near Tivoli (Rome)
Geophysical surveys at Hadrian's Villa near Tivoli, Italy, have revealed the layout of subterranean service corridors beneath the Accademia building, a lesser-known structure within the UNESCO World Heritage Site. This network, unique to the villa complex, was reconstructed for the first time using non-invasive geophysical techniques, offering new insights into the architectural and functional organization of one of Rome's most significant ancient sites. The study, conducted as part of a Master's thesis in Geo-technology, demonstrates the potential of geophysics in uncovering hidden features in archaeological contexts without disturbing the site.
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