- Via Laurentina
Via Laurentina, an ancient road of
Italy , leading southwards fromRome . The question of the nomenclature of the group of roads between theVia Ardeatina and theVia Ostiensis is somewhat difficult, and much depends on the view taken as to the site ofLaurentum . It seems probable, however, that the Via Laurentina proper is that which led out of thePorta Ardeatina of theAurelian Wall and went direct toTor Paterno , while the road branching from the Via Ostiensis at the third mile, and leading past Decimo toLavinium (Pratica), which crosses the other road at right angles not far from its destination (the Laurentina there running SW and that to Lavinium SE) may for convenience be called Lavinatis, though this name does not occur in ancient times. On this latter road, beyond Decimo, two milestones, one ofTiberius , the other ofMaxentius , each bearing the number II, have been found; and farther on, atCapocotta , traces of ancient buildings, and an importantsepulchral inscription of aJewish ruler of asynagogue have come to light. That the Via Laurentina was near the Via Ardeatina is clear from the fact that the same contractor was responsible for both roads. Laurentum was also accessible by a branch from the Via Ostiensis at the eighth mile (atMalafede ) leading pastCastel Porziano , the royal hunting-lodge, which is identical with the ancient "Ager Solonius" (in which,Festus tells us, was situated the "Pomonal " orsacred grove ofPomona ) and which later belonged toGaius Marius .
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