Circus of Maxentius

As Maxentiusvilla is sometimes established by the late ancient ruler Maxentius on the Via Appia complex called (hence often villa on the Via Appia ), from which some important remains are still preserved today.

Maxentius, son of former emperor Maximian, had been raised in Rome 306 emperor. The usurpation of Maxentius succeeded and was able to keep to 312, when the troops of Constantine I invaded Italy and were able to beat the army of Maxentius several times. Maxentius himself came during the Battle of the Milvian Bridge killed.

Maxentius during his six -year reign a massive building program in Rome initiated, which led to the construction of great buildings, such as the Basilica of Maxentius. The Maxentiusvilla was hardly less impressive. Situated on a hill between the 2nd and 3rd mile of the Via Appia, joined the palace, of which only remnants remain, a circus and a tomb to. That Maxentius had built this plant, is now regarded quite backed by archaeological findings, but also by written statements as a source. The combination of palace, which was equipped with a large reception hall, and circus reminiscent of the buildings of the tetrarch, who had also applied.

Southwest of the palace the tomb follows, but of which only the podium is still preserved today. The sacred complex joined to existing places of worship. The tomb was probably dedicated to the son of Maxentius, Valerius Romulus, and probably inspired by Heroenkultbauten. It should probably also serve as a dynastic grave lay.

The Maxentiuscircus in turn is one of the best preserved ancient times. It measures 513 x 91 m and offered some 10,000 people place. Even if he could not keep up in terms of size as with other large systems, the construction of the Circus at this place but time is rare, which is also expressed in the ancient sources.