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.
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