Abstract EN:

The first villas by the sea appeared in central italy in the course of the second century b. C. They developed quickly, in conjunction with new architectural styles, all along the rocky coastline near rome, their growth acquired increasing momentum in the course of the first century b. C. , particularly in the bay of naples area. The reasons for their growing popularity were numerous, though economic concerns were uppermost. These residences, far removed from rome, were to take on an ideological colouring of their own that would subsequently lead to their condamnation in the years between 40 and 20 b. C. However, this was to have no effect what so ever ont their expansion, spreading first throughout italy and, later, through the whole of the western provinces. The development of architectural patterns reflected the changing attitudes of those who commissioned them and was instrumental in defining new relationships with the sea.