Subura — The Hot District of Ancient Rome

Nestled between the Quirinal, Cispius, Viminal, and Esquiline hills in the city of Rome lies the Subura district. It is thought that the name derives from the Etruscan word “spura” (city). In ancient times, this area stretched from the headquarters of the Prefect of Rome to the Esquiline Gate. Once home to the Suburan gate, as Rome absorbed its suburbs, Subura became filled with tenement buildings. Unlike the elite residences of the patricians who preferred the hilltops, the low-lying Subura provided shelter for all sorts of riff-raff.