Domus of Livia on the Palatine
Domus of Livia on the Palatine
Excavations of the House of Livia in 1863 in the Roman suburb of Prima Porta revealed four magnificent frescoes decorating the walls of the triclinium or underground dining room These illusory paintings are full of exotic birds and probably contributed to the comfortable and open feel of the underground space The House of Livia was excavated in the 19th century and identified as belonging to Livia after the discovery of a lead pipe labeled “IVLIA AVGVSTA.” These paintings were intended to be used The corridor leads to an inner courtyard with three rooms
decorated with beautiful Second Style paintings both mythological and theatrical, landscape and architectural perspectives certainly to entertain the visitors and probably contributed to the comfortable and open feel of the underground space Imaginative perspectives emerge in the gaps between the columns and in the center is a reproduction of the famous ancient painting “I guarded by Argos and Mercury who came to free me” a famous mythological scene painted by Nicæa.
Sphinx motif winged figure next room the wall is decorated with tassels and garlands of fruit surrounded by columns and similar architectural elements The entrance wall is decorated with the legend of Polyphemus and Galatea. On both sides there are other false openings that extend over the grand architecture and the imaginary landscape.
The House of Livia is located on the Palatine Hill The house still has its original entrance with a mosaic walkway with a white background and black tiles Through this walkway is an inner courtyard with three rooms covered with beautiful paintings of the second style black tesserae on a white background and frescoes decorating the walls The most sought-after place in ancient Rome with real frescoes this building is associated with Livia the wife of Augustus (although some consider Livia to be the daughter of Tiberius Nero) due to the lead pipe inscribed with the name of its owner IULIA AUGUSTA As nature grows freely evidence of human activity is also visible A perfect blend of diversity and abundance.
