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Tiberius Villa Iovis on Capri
This villa, one of 21 built by the emperor Tiberius on the island of Capri, was completed in 27AD. It
was located on the so called Monte Tiberio, one of the highest peaks of Capri, at the northeast ofthe island, at an elevation of 334m. The villa faces out east to sea at the top of a sheer cliff. The
height and secluded location makes this place not easily accessible, but easily defensible; for this
reason Tiberius, fearful about assassinations and conspiracy in Rome ruled from here until his death
in 37AD. The location of the villa also affords a beautiful, panoramic view over the ocean and the
entire Gulf of Naples, from the multi-layered complex, particularly from the open walled hall,
ambulatio, on the west of the building. Therefore the architecture reflects the royal grandeur we
might expect of an emperor, and although the rumours of debaucheries which took place here as
detailed by Suetonius are sensationalized, we can see how the luxurious setting of the palatial
complex might give way to scandalous stories.
The south wing of the complex houses baths with large windows to let in sunlight, a luxurious and
relaxing pastime, although in this context only for private pleasure than the political manoeuvring
which took place in the public sphere at Roman bathhouses. It makes a statement about Tiberius
that he is in a position above such politics, as emperor, and that he has the wealth (the power it
allows) to afford the baths. The baths are watered by a complex drainage system of cisterns, four
large vaulted arches which collected rainwater, which also provided drinking water and water for the
3000m2 gardens. The fact that Tiberius was able to have such a feat engineered is testament to his
status and power.
The kitchen at the west is conveniently located near the water supply, as well as ensuring smellskept away from the living areas, instead the sea breeze instead blowing them away from the villa to
the west. An observatory, specularium, is also in the west side of the complex, to support the
emperors interest in astronomy. The imperial loggia was the residential part of the complex and is
removed from the central cistern area, perhaps showing the deliberate isolation of that part from
the more official and public areas of the hall and ambulatio in the east.
Although the Villa Iovis is isolated, the people who would be allowed to see and visit the place would
immediately be struck with awe at the size and magnificence of the house and its lush gardens, as
well as its staggering location. Clearly, although away from Rome, Tiberius still wished to convey his
status as emperor through the architecture of his seat of power and its immediate visual effect.
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The north wing of the building contained the living quarters, while the south wing saw administrative
use.[3]
The east wing was meant for receptions, whereas the west wing featured an open-walled hall
(ambulatio) which offered a scenic view towards Anacapri.[4]
As water was difficult to come by where the villa was built, Roman engineers constructed an intricate
system for the collection of rainwater from the roofs and a largecisternthat supplied the palace with
fresh water.[5]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Jovis#cite_note-3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Jovis#cite_note-3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Jovis#cite_note-3http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Jovis#cite_note-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Jovis#cite_note-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Jovis#cite_note-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cisternhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cisternhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cisternhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Jovis#cite_note-5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Jovis#cite_note-5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Jovis#cite_note-5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Jovis#cite_note-5http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cisternhttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Jovis#cite_note-4http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Villa_Jovis#cite_note-37/22/2019 Tiberius Villa Iovis
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South of the main building there are remains of awatch tower(specula) for the
quicktelegraphicexchange of messages with the mainland, e.g. by fire or smoke.[6]
Villa Jovisis the largest of the twelve Tiberian villas on Capri mentioned byTacitus.The entire
complex, spanning several terraces and a difference in elevation of about 40 m, covers some
7,000 m (1.7 acres).
[1]
While the remaining eight levels of walls and staircases only hint at thegrandeur the building must have had in its time, recent reconstructions have shown the villa to be a
remarkable testament to 1st-century Roman architecture.
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