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The Villa of Gnaeus Pompeius Magnus: a Roman residence in Albano Laziale
Pompey the Great, one of the most powerful men of the Roman Republic, built the villa in Albano Laziale between 61 and 58 BC, using the wealth accumulated from the Mithridatic War. The grounds and remains that have survived cover 9 hectares — 340 metres long by 260 metres wide.
A villa that changed hands
The villa passed from Pompey to his son Sextus, then to Dolabella, then to Augustus — who at that point kept it for himself and his successors. The walls show four phases of expansion and renovation. The central building faced the sea, rose three stories high, and stood on an artificial platform. The grounds contained nymphaea, cryptoporticoes, fountains, gardens, statues. It was not a villa: it was a declaration of power.
Where to see some of the recovered artefacts
In the 18th and 19th centuries, excavations brought to light remarkable pieces: a marble altar depicting the labours of Hercules, a Bearded Bacchus, and two centaurs in polychrome marble. These are now preserved in the Doria Pamphilj museum, named after the family that owned the land where the villa stood. Other artefacts are in the Civic Museum of Albano.
