Relationship between urban development and slope instability in the history of Rome: the case of the Palatine Hill between the Republican and the Imperial Ages (IV cen. BC-II cen. AD)

In this study we analyze the relationship between urban development and slope instability along the western edge of the Palatine Hill. This area was occupied since the founding of Rome in the VIII cen. BC until the Roman Empire period. Based on a detailed historical reconstruction, multi-step numerical modelling was performed. This illustrates the deformation induced on retaining walls at the slope base by the construction of temples and building over the slope top surface. In particular, the results of the model show how an excessive loading due to building construction in the I cen. AD seriously reduced the efficiency of a Republican Wall restraining the cliff since the IV cen. BC. A further wall was then built in the II cen. AD to assure the safety of the whole area.