Hill of Arx

See also: Arx

The hill of Arx is the north-eastern part of the hill of the Capitole, separated from the southernmost part, of the Capitolium itself, by a depression, the intermontum . This northern part of the hill is also named the Arx Capitolin . It rises with approximately 48 meters with the top of the sea level, and its surface covers a hectare roughly.

Arx is the place best protected from Rome, from where one could watch for the arrival of possible enemies and prevent them from approaching the city. The Citadelle was pressed on a cut rock with peak. The Sabins seized some thanks to treason Tarpéia (from where the name of the Roche tarpéienne where the traitors were thrown) but would have remained inviolate during the Gallic invasion. A legend tells that the geese Temple of Junon Moneta awoke Marcus Manlius which prevented the Gaulois from seizing the Capitole, last bastion of resistance. Only the Romans besieged on the Capitole would have survived.

When the army was convened, a red standard floated on the Citadelle. In addition, Arx was the place where officiated the Augures, they took the Auspices since the Auguraculum . One gathered there grasses crowned necessary for the rites of the Fétiaux. But the only important sanctuary of Arx was the Temple of Junon Moneta, as well as the monetary workshop installed at side, owe him its name.

It preserved a military importance until the Ier front century J. - C., although there never was permanent garrison.

On the south-eastern slope the Tabularium overhanging was built the Forum Romanum.

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