The Roman stadium of Boville


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 (Virgines Vestales Albanae are mentioned in the engravings) 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.



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. 

Unfortunately the area is threatened by abuse building, and by speculative aims of constructors. Besides skyrocketing the profits of a few, if these plans take shape they will bring to the irreversible collapse of the local economy, based on tourism and on the intrinsic quality, which are the only real resources of the area, and its distinctive feature. Needless to say, it would also be a fatal blow to the historical and architectural heritage.


Our goal is to found an
Archaeological Park out of this area, enabling all citizens and visitors to benefit from its remarkable archaeological heritage and from its landscape.

The Roman countryside (Campagna Romana) in the nearby Via del Divino Amore


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