The foundations of most magnificent buildings of the imperial times
lie buried in the gardens. The paintings on the walls are in
themselves sufficient to give us an idea of the splendour of the
internal decorations of the Roman palaces. The streets, temples,
palaces, &c., are full of interest. Some beautiful views may be had
from various parts of the gardens, from the height near the entrance,
as well as looking over the site of the CIRCUS MAXIMUS, which occupied
the valley between the Palatine and Aventine Hills.
_In our description of the Palatine we have classed the remains in
chronological order. In the accompanying plan they are numbered in the
order in which they are best visited. The numbers correspond with
those placed by the title of the different ruins in the Guide; so that
the visitor can follow the numbers consecutively in his ramble, and
turn to the corresponding number for the description. We only treat of
the actual remains._