The House of Licinius Sura, several times suffect consul and big friend of emperor Trajan. After Sura’s death, Trajan let build on the Aventine the baths that carry his name. His domus was particularly luxurious with its remarkable gardens. Left, the Via Merulana that still exists today.


















In the heart of the Esquiline, the (A) House and gardens of L. Ælius Lami , consul in 3 after JC. The vast Lamia’s gardens merge with Maia’s gardens ( Horti Lamiani et Maiani ), goddess who personifies the awakening of nature ; one celebrated her day in May and, maybe the goddess gave her name to the month of May. A construction (B) close to her gardens might have been dedicated to her.



















Lined on one side by the house and gardens of L. Aelius Lami and the Via Merulana, a vast portico and a semi circular swimming pool completed the view of Lamia’s gardens (Horti Lamiani). The construction probably offered a shelter to strollers against sun or bad weather. On the left of the picture a part of Mæcenas’ gardens (Horti Maecenatis) and Fronto’s gardens associated to Mæcenas’ gardens, even if the House of Cornelius Fronto, consul and tutor of Marcus-Aurelius was a few steps away from the gardens.












Situated more east, the Torquatus’ gardens ( Horti Torquatiani ) are badly known and cannot be attributed to any owner. They are part of an area where a legendary sanctuary might have been erected. The region is therefore described as ad spem veterem , (to the ancient hope), close to the district of the Prænestina gate.


















As a great transit road, the Via Labicana entered Rome through the Porta Prænestina at the bottom of the picture (today Porta Maggiore) and went completely through the East Esquiline up to the Porta Esquilina, which became Gallian’s Arch. We are now passing the Via Labicana and shall discover the north-east region of the Esquiline..