This contribution (cf. FOLD&R 2008, nn. 124 e 125) updates knowledge regarding the ancient monuments present in the area of S. Croce in Gerusalemme, with new data which emerged following finds made during work on urban reorganisation and on the basis of research undertaken in the historical archives of the Archaeological Superintendency of Rome and the Municipal Superintendency of Rome.

It gives a general picture of the topography of the villa of the Horti Spei Veteris, built in the Severan period, which became the Palatium Sessorianum under Constantine. Begun by Septimius Severus and enlarged by Caracalla, the project reached its final form under Helagabalus, when the Horti appeared as a villa comprising monumental nuclei – including the Amphitheatrum Castrense and the Circus Varianus – which were linked by a porticus triumphi. The next chapter deals with the new data relating to the cavea on the right hand side of the Varian Circus. Chapter three looks at various elements sporadically investigated on several occasions and in varying circumstances, which for the first time are reconstructed as a single unit and identified as part of a porticus triumphi. This was a very particular type of monumental building created for a public function during the late Republican period and later privatised.

The recent restoration of the Helenian Baths brought to light architectural elements, previously unknown, which have led to a more complete reconstruction of the north-eastern side of the monument. These elements constituted a sort of monumental entrance for the whole bath complex, which was almost certainly for public use and separate from the imperial residence.

The following chapter describes a residential quarter situated between via Eleniana and the Aurelian Walls. Four domus, dating to between the mid 2nd and the beginning of the 4th century A.D., formed part of this quarter and have been reconstructed using archival material and excavation data.

The final chapter is dedicated to the public sector of the Palatium Sessorianum, of which parts of a public triclinium and a link corridor have been found.