Capo di Bove

Title

Capo di Bove

Subject

The City's Edge

Description

Built upon the ancient tomb of Cecilia Metella, this massive fortress derives its name from the ox-head images that decorate its walls. In the 11th century the fortress was incorporated into a larger walled complex. In the 14th century Pope Boniface VIII gave control of the complex to the Gaetani family, who improved the walls of the fortress to include arrow slits and battlements. The Gaetani also constructed a palace nearby within the walls of the complex. The fortress was used to fortify the Via Apia, offering protection from invaders and revenue from tolls collected from travelers.

Looking at the fortress, it is readily apparent that its construction took place in distinct stages. The white marble of the original tomb forms the lowermost layer, while smaller stones and brick from medieval renovations form the upper walls of the tower and much of the connected building. In the medieval period, the building would likely have been outfitted with a second floor, as evidenced by the pegs that would have supported such a structure and the seats built into the windows on the upper levels. The imposing exterior and the remains of what may have been a gate or arch spanning the Via Apia are reminders of the function of the building as a toll station and line of defense.

Abstract

Built upon the ancient tomb of Cecilia Metella, this massive fortress derives its name from the ox-head images that decorate its walls. In the 11th century the fortress was incorporated into a larger walled complex.

Creator

Connor Dale (2016)

Source

Ferdinand Gregorovius, Annie Hamilton, History of the City of Rome in the Middle Ages (Cambridge University, 2010), 673-675.

Ivana Della Portella, Giuseppina Pisani Sartorio, Francesca Ventre, The Appian Way From Its Foundation to the Middle Ages (Getty Publications, 2004), 61-68.

Identifier

capodibove_2015

Coverage

1300s

Spatial Coverage

Via Appia Antica, 222, 00178 Roma RM

Description

Built upon the ancient tomb of Cecilia Metella, this massive fortress derives its name from the ox-head images that decorate its walls. In the 11th century the fortress was incorporated into a larger walled complex. In the 14th century Pope Boniface VIII gave control of the complex to the Gaetani family, who improved the walls of the fortress to include arrow slits and battlements. The Gaetani also constructed a palace nearby within the walls of the complex. The fortress was used to fortify the Via Apia, offering protection from invaders and revenue from tolls collected from travelers.

Looking at the fortress, it is readily apparent that its construction took place in distinct stages. The white marble of the original tomb forms the lowermost layer, while smaller stones and brick from medieval renovations form the upper walls of the tower and much of the connected building. In the medieval period, the building would likely have been outfitted with a second floor, as evidenced by the pegs that would have supported such a structure and the seats built into the windows on the upper levels. The imposing exterior and the remains of what may have been a gate or arch spanning the Via Apia are reminders of the function of the building as a toll station and line of defense.

Creator

Connor Dale (2016)

Coverage

1300s

Source

Ferdinand Gregorovius, Annie Hamilton, History of the City of Rome in the Middle Ages (Cambridge University, 2010), 673-675.

Ivana Della Portella, Giuseppina Pisani Sartorio, Francesca Ventre, The Appian Way From Its Foundation to the Middle Ages (Getty Publications, 2004), 61-68.

Geolocation