Roman gardens

Roman gardens (Latin: hortus) and ornamental horticulture became highly developed during the time of Roman civilization. The Gardens of Lucullus (Horti Lucullani) on the Pincian Hill at the edge of Rome introduced the Persian garden to Europe around 60 BC. The garden was a place of peace and tranquility, a refuge from urban life and a place filled with religious and symbolic meanings. As Roman culture developed and became increasingly influenced by foreign civilizations through trade, the use of gardens expanded. Gardens ultimately thrived in Ancient Rome.

Roman gardens were influenced by Egyptian, Persian and Greek gardening techniques. Formal gardens existed in Egypt as early as 2800 BC. During the 18th dynasty of Egypt, gardening techniques were fully developed and were used to beautify the homes of the wealthy. Porticos (porches) were developed to connect the home with the outdoors, as it created outdoor living spaces. Persian gardens developed according to the needs of the arid land. The gardens were enclosed to protect from drought and were rich and fertile in contrast to the dry and arid Persian terrain. Pleasure gardens originated from Greek farm gardens, which served the functional purpose of growing fruit. The Peristyle garden also came from Greek influence; it was used to beautify temple groves and create recreational spaces. Open peristyle courts were first designed to fuse homes with the outside world. In Ancient Latium, a garden was part of every farm. According to the ancient Roman politician Cato the Elder, every garden should be close to the house and should have flower beds and ornamental trees. Cimon of Athens is said to have torn down the walls of his garden to transform it into a public space. As Alexander the Great conquered parts of Western Asia, he brought back with him new varieties of fruits and plants that prompted a renewed interest in horticulture.Horace wrote that during his time, flower gardens became a national indulgence.Augustus constructed the Porticus Liviae, a public garden on the Oppian Hill in Rome. Outside Rome, gardens tended to proliferate at centers of wealth.

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