Monte Sacro


Monte Sacro is a hill in Rome, Italy on the banks of the river Aniene, some kilometres to the north-east of the Campidoglio. It popularly derives its name from being the site of rituals by augurs or haruspices and gives its name to Rome's Monte Sacro quarter.

Location">Location identifier">Location

The location of Monte Sacro can be identified by references to it in Roman-era writings, including those by Asconius, Cicero, Dionysius of Halicarnassus, Livy and Valerius Maximus. From these indications, it appears the site was located 3 miles outside the city, between the right bank of the Aniene and the ancient Via Nomentana, that is, between the Ponte Nomentano and the Aniene's confluence with the Cecchina creek.

History

Plebeian revolt (494 BC)

In 494 BC a class struggle took place in ancient Rome during which the lower class plebs seceded from the city and made camp on Mons Sacer. The secession led to a negotiated settlement with the upper class patricians, and as a result the plebeians were given increased rights including the right to elect their own magistrates, named tribunes.