Santuari di confine al primo miglio della via Appia Antica

This paper brings together observations conducted in the sanctuaries at the first mile of Via Appia Antica and studies regarding border areas between the urban and suburban spaces of ancient Rome. So far research on the borders that defined the urban territory of Rome, i.e. the ager romanus antiquus, has been mostly historical or historical-religious in nature. Through an archaeological approach, this paper aims to present a systematic analysis of these sacred places, especially as regards the sanctuary of Mars Gradivus, putting them into the context of the landscape at the first mile, underlining the relationship between the presence of borders and the existence of sanctuaries all over the area, and inquiring as to their meaning and use over the centuries. In particular, as to the templum Martis, whose relationship with the cult of Mars Gradivus has so far never been studied, and hence, has traditionally been considered to date back no earlier than the age of the Roman Republic, a new dating placing it in the Archaic Age is offered. A new, coherent interpretation of the sanctuaries could, therefore, confirm the importance of the first mile since this period, suggesting that the extension of the ager romanus antiquus must have coincided with this border.