This book examines the residences built in the nature outside the centre of Rome as luxurious dwellings for the wealthiest noble families in the Late Republic. These buildings, which later became part of the Emperor's property, were magnificently appointed. A great number of the artistic masterpieces they once housed have been found since 1870, when entire areas of the city were excavated. These finds, such as the fascinating Venere Esquilina, are now on display in refined frameworks inside Musei Capitolini and Centrale Montemartini (from www.electaweb.it)