12 
THE ART OF GARDEN DESIGN IN ITALY 
distance the great capital of the world bathed in purple and gold, nestling at eventide amidst the blue 
mists. Though stripped by Constantine for the decoration of Byzantium, despoiled by the Western 
Emperors, sacked by the hordes of barbarians in the sixth century, and, above all, robbed of its 
treasures in the days of the early Renaissance, this villa has furnished galleries all over Europe with 
specimens of the choicest sculpture of ancient days. 
To the west of the villa was the Poscile, a large oblong space surrounded by shady walks and 
ornamented with an abundance of most costly and beautiful sculpture. 
Another part of the villa was known as Canopus, a name probably suggested to the Emperor 
by the licentious pleasure city near Alexandria. Here he constructed an artificial lake, or rather canal, 
hollowed out of the tufa, nearly 250 yards long by about 90 in breadth. Elegant boats, doubt¬ 
less made on the model of those at Alexandria, were reserved for the Emperor and his friends. At 
one end of the canal was a temple containing the statue of Serapis, the great divinity of Canopus. 
From all corners of the building water flowed in abundance, descending the marble steps and passing 
a large semicircular basin whence it fell in cascades and supplied the artificial lake on which aquatic 
tournaments were performed for the amusement of the Court. 
One of the great curiosities of Hadrian's villa was the so-called 1 natatorium,’ the exact 
purpose of which has often puzzled archaeologists ; it was situated near the Pcecile, and consisted 
of a circular courtyard about 160 feet in diameter, enclosed by a high wall. In the centre rose 
a beautiful little building on a small round island—a delicious place of repose, about which 
flowed a small canal where water rippled amid aquatic plants, and white swans and fish of various 
hues disported themselves in the clear fresh water, reflecting the brilliant tones of marble and colour 
decoration. Peacocks sunned themselves upon the building, shaking out their emerald glories and 
adding lustre to what was one of the most voluptuous retreats of the imperial palace. Other features 
of this unique villa were the Greek and Latin libraries, with a vast hall opening on to a garden, and 
no less than three theatres. Numerous other garden buildings and hyprethral saloons, roofed with 
purple awnings, all overlooking the beautiful Vale of Tempe, combined to make this wonderful 
villa unique in the world. 
In Rome itself there were a considerable number of beautiful gardens surrounding the 
sumptuous dwelling-houses of the nobility and patricians, and although their extent was necessarily 
somewhat curtailed, they differed very little in character from the larger suburban villas. A 
Roman garden was the image of the Roman genius, and the love of order and symmetry was 
everywhere displayed. Laid out by line and rule, with straight alleys and well-trimmed hedges: 
an extravagant display of priceless statuary attested a wealthy nation. The luxury and display 
must not, however, be attributed to a spirit of laziness and inactivity; for, as a rule, the senator 
or business man led a bustling life. The town houses were used mostly during the winter months 
or during the Roman season, whilst, as Pliny says, the appearance of spring was a signal for 
the aristocracy to disperse to their country seats, many of which were conveniently situated within 
easy reach of the metropolis. 
