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Mar 10 2008
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Roman emperor's home opens to the public |
Rooms in a house that once belonged to Augustus, the first emperor of Rome, have been opened to the public for the first time.
The frescoed chambers were unearthed nearly 50 years ago and have been minutely restored for their grand opening as a tourist attraction.
It is thought that Augustus lived in the house on Palatine Hill around 30BC, before he became emperor of the grand civilisation of Rome and built his palace complex higher up the hill.
People enjoying villa holidays in Rome can explore a number of sections of the house, including a small study that was believed to be Augustus' private retreat.
There are also wall and ceiling paintings around the house, as well as an area named the Room of the Masks, where a wall is painted like a stage, with side doors standing ajar and comic masks looking through.
Speaking to the Times, Italian minister of culture Francesco Rutelli said that the capital was "rediscovering the splendours of its past as never before".
Travellers on villa holidays in Rome may be able to enjoy further restorations in the future, including the ancient house of Livia, which was named after Augustus' famously beautiful wife.
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