The aim of the proposed research is twofold. On the one hand to carry on the stratigraphical excavation (on-going since 1985) over a large area on the northern slope of the Palatine, between Roman Forum and Colosseum valley, and the reconstruction of the changing urban landscapes in this part of the ancient city since the Iron Age (10th c. b.c.e.) to Renaissance (16th c.). On the other hand to begin new investigations on the southern slope of the Palatine Hill. It is a very relevant topographical context of high heuristic potential. Such a continuity of activities and site occupation makes this part of the ancient city an extremely intriguing case study, from an archaeological point of view, and an ideal sample to test and develop methods and strategies of collection and processing archaeological, architectural and topographical data over a large time span. The evidence collected up to now allowed ancient historians and scholars of antiquity as well to re-think problems related to the origins of the city and the history of roman institutions. It may be enough to mention the discovery of the Palatine Wall dating to 775-750 b.c.e., rebuilt until 530 b.c.e ca. and partially preserved as a marker in later urban landscape; the sanctuary of Vesta (mid 8th c. b.c.e.-Late Antiquity); royal and high priests (rex sacrorum and pontifex) residences (mid 8th c. b.c.e.-64 c.e.); a sanctuary (mid 8th c. b.c.e.-64 c.e.) to be possibly identified with the sanctuary of Jupiter Stator; the sanctuary of the Curiae Veteres; a section of the pre- and proto-urban settlement (11th-mid 8th c. b.c.e.) never attested over such a large area in Rome until now. Attention will be also paid to historical documents (mainly inscriptions), artefacts and biological remains in order to increase our knowledge of society, mass and market productions, building decoration as part of visual art, building techniques, alimentary habits and so forth.
Innovative research and possible progresses beyond the State of the Art are expected due to the above mentioned statements and according to the following remarks.
Area A.
Neither R. Lanciani nor G. Boni could investigate this sector, sealed by the collapse on the wall retaining the Farnese Garden. This is the only preserved part on the northern slope of the Palatine (and of the immediately surrounding area ) untouched by the excavation started in 1885 to uncover the central area of ancient Rome. The dig of such an area could complete both the 19th c. project of the Rome Archaeological Park, opening to the public for the first time a monument entirely uncovered, and the research project started in 1985, aiming at extensive scientific excavation in the core of ancient Rome. Furthermore, better and regular monitoring of the structural resistance of the surviving Modern and Ancient remains. It could be also possible to investigate for the first time the post antique deposits and remains which represent the only material evidence in this area of the process of transformation of the ancient city into the medieval and modern one. Not to mention the possibility of integrating the archaeological and phase plans with the imperial, republican and archaic remains still to be uncovered between the Palatine slope and the urban districts covered by the domus Tiberiana.
Area B.
This area had never been investigated in the past, but only subjected to a series of interventions (ditches, tunnels) in the Middle and modern Ages aimed at the recovery of building materials and valuables. Therefore all of our finds have so far been a novelty, revolutionizing our knowledge of the topography and architecture of this central area of the ancient city. Excavation in Sector II-III offers the possibility of adding essential data for the reconstruction of cultural, economic and social aspects of the oldest Curiae Veteres (6th-8th c. b.c.e.), now known only indirectly through materials found in secondary layers in stratigraphy of the 5th and 4th b.c.e. Artefacts and decorations prove that the stratigraphy exposed in 2015 show the remains of buildings, but also of some rituals that will help understanding the organizational framework of the sanctuary areas, and the historical and social scenarios that determined the creation, in Rome, of an unusual place of worship, associated with rites that confirmed the belonging to a specific civic body. An improvement on the present situation will come from our commitment to give back the excavated area reorganized so as to make it understandable to visitors. Most of the excavations, even those of exceptional historical and archaeological value, are often left to the decay of time, or reinterred on account of the inability to maintain them. Thanks to the contribution of specialists working with us on issues related to conservation and development, we have produced a serie of ideas, which have been mainly accepted by the Soprintendenza Archeologica. On top of the contribution that the excavation has given to a deeper knowledge of three millennia of urban history, it was decided that some of the key elements could be left visible and restored, considering both their degree of conservation and the uniqueness of some "signs". These features are mainly found within the complex of Neronian/Flavian Curiae Veteres (Sections II and III), and within the horreum and the late-antique domus of the IV sector (so-called Terme di Elagabalo). These restorations will respect the architectural and monumental layout of this portion of the Palatine, highlighting one single period of its complex evolution so as to offer, even to a casual visitor, a clear view of the major changes that affected this urban landscape. Such actions will give back a set of well organized and easily readable ruins, instead of a jumble of parts and pieces from different, mixed up, periods.
Area C.
Previous researches on and around the Palatine have demonstrated that along the slopes of the Hill, rather than on top of it, thicker and more complex archaeological deposits are preserved. Thus, in such areas it is possible to gather the largest amount of information/evidence about the Roman settlement and landscape history. In the selected area of the southern slope, the research will allow for the first time a clear comprehension of any visible structure, of the original architectural complex and of the changing landscapes of the area between the Palatine and the Aventine Hill. Other than this, it would be possible to suggest e definite reconstruction of the middle and lower part of the House of Augustus.