TEMPLE OF VENUS

The upper level of this structure, which provided vistas toward Tibur and the mountains to the east of the villa, consisted of a semi-circular colonnade in front of which was a round temple ("tholos") in the Doric order (G. Ortolani, Il padiglione di Afrodite cnidia [Rome 1998]). In the middle of the cella was found a statue of Venus of the Cnidian type. Rooms off the semi-circular colonnade had floors in opus sectile. It is unclear whether the various works of sculpture found by the 18C owner of the property (Conte Giuseppe Fede) came from this or adjacent parts of the villa. They include busts, herms, a Discobolus, as well as two statues and one statue group representing Apollo. Beyond offering a panoramic view of the landscape, the function of the area is unclear. It could have been used for meals or relaxation (Ortolani 1998: 137). The upper level dates to Phase II (125-133 CE). The lower levels constituted a cryptoporticus dug into the tuff and date to the time of the republican villa. A swimming pool (natatio) was located at the ground level. Some fine stucco ceilings survive. The lower and upper parts were connected by stairways.