Domitian's Ramp

By the Editors of the Madain Project

Domitian’s Ramp (Rampa di Domiziano) is an ancient Roman structure that functioned as a monumental passageway connecting the Roman Forum to the Palatine Hill. The monumental structure extant today was primarily constructed during the reign of emperor Domitian (81–96 CE). Also called the imperial ramp of Domitian (Rampa Imperiale di Domiziano), or simply the imperial ramp (rampa impreriali), provided direct access from the imperial palace complex to the political and commercial heart of ancient Rome.

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Overview

Built as a covered, multi-level ramped corridor, it facilitated the movement of the emperor and his entourage while maintaining a degree of separation from public thoroughfares. The structure, partially preserved today, remains an important example of Flavian-era engineering and urban planning, illustrating the ways in which ancient Rome’s rulers reshaped the city’s topography to assert imperial dominance.

Although prior to Domitian's construction, there is no substantial evidence of a formalized passageway directly linking the Roman Forum to the Palatine Hill, however it is more likely that some form of path or passage existed. The creation of the ramp in the latter half of the first century CE represented a significant architectural innovation, providing a direct and secure route for the emperor between the political hub and his palatial abode. The structure remained concealed until its discovery in 1900 CE during archaeological excavations. Following extensive restoration efforts, the ramp was opened to the public in October 2015 CE, allowing visitors to traverse the same path once exclusive to the emperor.

Recently, the Imperial Ramp of Domitian was digitized alongside the remains of Santa Maria Antiqua as part of a comprehensive heritage documentation project. Utilizing advanced laser scanning technology, Visivalab captured the architectural details of the ramp’s surviving sections, creating a high-resolution 3D model to aid in scientific research and public dissemination.

Architecture

circa 81-96 CE

On the level of the Forum the ruins of a vestibule complex, begun by Domitian and completed by Hadrian, lie behind the Temple of Castor and Pollux. From here there was an access ramp which led up the slope of the hill to the Domus Tiberiana on the summit. The ramp ascended from the forum level to the Via Nova from the Vicus Vestae, just east of the Lacus Juturna and west of the Atrium Vestae.

The entrance to the imperial ramp was through a huge gateway, now reconstructed with the use of marble pieces of the original architrave. After crossing the gate, one was in a reception hall, which in the Middle Ages was converted into a church to Santa Maria. Its walls bear frescoes of the "40 martyrs". A latrine, made of stone and marble, which was found halfway up the passageway and only survives partly, was probably used by imperial guards. Rooms that lead off the ramp, now converted into a min-museum of Roman artefacts, were probably used by detachments of guards.

The ramp comprises seven ascending segments interspersed with six hairpin turns, collectively elevating approximately 35 meters from the forum to the Palatino, equivalent to over ten modern stories. Of the original seven segments, four have survived in to the modern period and are currently accessible to the public. The ascent culminates in a terrace offering panoramic views of the Roman Forum.

Architecturally, the ramp is a testament to Roman engineering prowess. Its design featured a covered walkway with a series of ascending ramps and sharp turns, facilitating the elevation gain from the Roman Forum to the Palatine. The initial segment boasts a ceiling height of approximately 12 meters, underscoring the grandeur of the construction. The structure also includes latrines, indicating attention to functional details. The final turn leads to a terrace that provides a commanding view over the Forum and the city beyond.

Today the ramp is not entirely covered and alternates between open air and vaulted sections.

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