The King of Rome Numa Pompilius (753 – 673 BC) had a temple erected dedicated to the most ancient Latin god, the god of gods, namely Two-faced Janus (Ianus Geminus). He reigned in the golden age and hosted Cronus, who took refuge in Italy after he was chased away by Zeus. In Roman times, if you strolled …
Zeno’s Adventure
Zeno is on his boat in the open sea, on his way back from Phenicia with his cargo of purple. He is over 30 now, he has gained experience as a merchant, he knows the risks of the trade, most of all the navigation one. But experience is never enough when you have to deal …
Mouse or Pig?
I’ll give you some clues: Piazza dei Priori, Volterra. It seems that this tower belonged to the Topi family. Then you will say: “it’s a mouse!” Wait… But then, the Municipality bought the tower in the 13th century to house the Podestà and also the prisons that remained here until the 19th century. On the …
Fosso di S. Ansano street
Siena, Piazza della Postierla, better known as “Quattro Cantoni”. Its name derives from latin “posterula”, little gate. This led to a ditch along a precipice where were the ancient walls of Siena with its charcoal pits. The medieval Hospital of Saint Mary of the Ladder buys this space from Municipality ‘cause it needs to expand. However, the expansion …
The parish church of Ponte allo Spino
In the plain below Sovicille, there is the oldest church (perhaps) of the Sienese diocese. Everyone calls it Ponte allo Spino because of the stream of the same name but, in reality, it is the parish church of S. John the Baptist. Like all churches, it stood on important communication routes: the Roman road that …