Capri, Italy: Villa Damecuta: Broom Flowers
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Authors
Sheppard, Beth M.
Issue Date
May 17, 2017
Type
Image
Language
Keywords
Italy , Capri , Anacapri , Villa Damecuta , Villa Di Damecuta , Roman Villas , Roman Ruins , Roman Architecture , Broom Flowers
Alternative Title
Abstract
Description
Walking downward at the remains of Villa Damecuta, which is one of twelve Augustan-Tiberian Roman villas on the Island of Capri, Italy. The Roman villa is in ruins today due to the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 A.D. and many raids by pirates. The ruins is located a short walk between the Blue Grotto and the municipality of Anacapri. "Damecuta" is derived from "Domus Cuta" (Dark and Hidden House), as Emperor Tiberius preferred small living spaces similar to caves. Augustus was the first Roman emperor and was succeeded by his stepson, Tiberius. The foreground of the photograph shows a yellow flower, which could be the common broom, or Scotch broom. According to capri.com: "Broom (Spartium junceum) . . . flowers on Capri each year from May until June. On the island there are various species belonging to the Broom family, such as the thorny Chamaecytiscus spinescens and the Cytisus scoparius or Common Broom with intense yellow flowers. There is a very special relationship between the broom plant and the two districts of the island, Capri and Anacapri: in Capri it is called the 'flower of St. Costanzo', Costanzo being the patron saint of the island, honored on May 14th, when the broom is in its period of maximum flowering; in Anacapri it is called the 'flower of St. Antonio', after patron saint of Anacapri, because here it flowers later on in the year, towards mid June, when the celebrations in the Saint's honor are held."
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License
CC BY-NC-SA 4.0