In 1863, the famous statue of Augustus of Prima Porta was discovered on the site, as well as the birds and trees frescoes in an underground dining area. The villa was abandoned in the 5th century AD, and subsequently pillaged and looted for antiquities. This reflects the fact that the couple liked being surrounded by nature and groves. Once married to Livia, Augustus rebuilt this countryside residence, introducing many large green spaces. Divorces were arranged and Augustus and Livia were married shortly after the birth of Nero Claudius Drusus in 38 BC. The hen was holding a laurel branch in its beak and omen interpreters told her to raise the bird and its offspring, and to plant the branch, which she did on the site of this villa where the Via Flaminia meets the Via Tiberina.Īugustus is believed to have fallen in love with Livia Drusilla at first sight, even though he was still married to Scribonia and she was married to Tiberius Claudius Nero and pregnant with her second child. Livia’s villa is mentioned in ancient texts which gave it the name “Ad Gallinas Albas” based on a legend that described an eagle dropping a white hen into Livia’s lap. He also paints a broader picture of her character, while most historical accounts of the period are limited to her role in several deaths at the time and her control over her family. He has highlighted how we all hear so much about Augustus’ rule over Rome between 27 BC-14 AD but we know so little about the woman who stood by his side for more than 50 years. I visited recently with Paolo Biondi, a former colleague of mine who has written a book about Livia’s life. It is open on the first, third, and occasional fifth weekend of each month, as well as some week day mornings, and it’s free! Roma Nord trains run from Piazza Flaminio and stop just a short walk away at the station of Prima Porta. There are no real obstacles to reaching the site. The statue, now based in the Vatican museums, and the frescoes, housed at Palazzo Massimo, are the closest most people get to seeing this villa and learning about the life of Livia, wife of Augustus and mother of his successor Tiberius. NB: Following the pandemic, many sites are still closed and it is worth checking directly about their opening plans/timesįew Roman residents and tourists have heard of Livia’s villa, despite the fact that one of the most famous statues of Emperor Augustus was found at this site in northern Rome, as well as one of the most beautiful sets of frescoes.

Gardenscap villa of livia