Cicero's Villas in the Phlegraean Fields: The Development of a Historical and Cultural Myth

Abstract

"Cicero's Villas in the Phlegraean Fields: The Development of a Historical and Cultural Myth." Cicero probably owned two pieces of property in the volcanic area known as the Phlegraean Fields northwest of Naples. In one piece of property, which was identified with his famous Academia, a medicinal spring salubrious for eye diseases sprang forth shortly after the orator's death. The study traces, from antiquity to modern investigations, the convoluted history of this property and its medicinal spring, along with that of the other property in which Hadrian allegedly died and was rendered immortal by a commemorative temple. Cicero's properties were confused with other sites in the area, particularly a well-known medicinal bath called Trituli located near the popular ancient resort town of Baiae. This confusion, and surrounding legends, reflect medieval legends concerning both Cicero and the shadowy figure of Hippocrates, which were generated largely through a misinterpretation by the Renaissance humanist Flavio Biondo.