Villa dei Quintili e Santa Maria Nova

The Villa of the Quintilii and Santa Maria Nova is a large Roman suburban complex at the fifth mile of the Appian Way. It includes the remains of a villa and thermal complex, a monumental nymphaeum and archaeological areas associated with Santa Maria Nova.

Why it matters

The villa belonged to Sextus Quintilius Condianus and Sextus Quintilius Valerius Maximus, brothers who held the consulship together in 151 AD. In 182–183 AD Commodus had them killed and confiscated the estate, which then became imperial property. Lead water pipes stamped with the brothers' names help identify the original owners.

What to notice

The villa's entrance was approached through a garden with a monumental nymphaeum; its exedra was later fortified, and a watchtower survives. The hilltop complex includes courtyards, reception rooms and a thermal area decorated with coloured marble. Excavations have also revealed entertainment buildings, including a theatre and circus. At Santa Maria Nova, a medieval casale incorporates a Roman cistern; excavations uncovered a stretch of paved road, a second-century cemetery and thermal buildings with black-and-white mosaics, including images of a retiarius and four circus horses.

Context and history

After Commodus seized the estate, the villa served as an imperial residence. Its nymphaeum was later incorporated into medieval fortifications. The state acquired the Santa Maria Nova farmland in 2006, bringing it into the Parco Archeologico dell'Appia Antica. The complex's remains document the villa's successive residential, imperial and defensive uses.