The Esquiline Hill is the largest of all the Seven Hills of Rome. In early antiquity, the area served as cemetery for the poor. Its bad reputation amongst the locals of Rome also came from the fact the criminals killed on the Esquline were left unburied, their bodies being left exposed to the necrophagous birds and beasts. On top of that, the residual waste collected from the neighboring areas was dumped on the Esquiline.

The fate of the hill, with all its three heights (sometimes named hills, but, in fact, representing heights of the Esquiline, namely, the Cispian, the Oppian and the Fagutal) changed dramatically in the first century BC, when the famed Maecenas found the area suitable for laying out his gardens (Horti Marcenatis). In all likelihood, another legendary garden of Rome, namely, the so-called Horti Liciani, were also laid out here. The only remains of these gardens refer to a nymphaeum (long believed to have been the Temple of Minerva Medica).

The Esquiline is also the site where a replica of Myron’s Discobolus was discovered in the second half of the 18th century. Adding the fact Nero commissioned the construction of his sumptuous and extravagant Domus Aurea here, as well as the fact Trajan had his baths built here (built precisely on top of the ill-famed imperial Golden House), it becomes obvious the Esquiline Hill is well worth a visit from the part of the holidaymakers of Rome.

Churches on the Esquiline Hill: Basilica of Saint Mary Major

Historical sights on the Esquiline Hill: Baths of Trajan, nymphaeum

Edifices nearby the Esquiline Hill: Coliseum

Name:
Esquiline Hill (Collis Esquilinus)
Address:
Rome, Italy