Milan, known as Mediolanum during the Roman Empire, was a city of great strategic and cultural importance. Its geographical position and advanced infrastructure made it a vital centre for trade, politics and daily life.

In this article we will explore various aspects of Roman Milan, from its urban structures to its communication routes, from daily life to its function as the capital of the Western Roman Empire.

Roman Milan at a glance:

• Milan was a fortified city with imposing walls and gates that guaranteed its security.
• The Forum of Milan was the beating heart of the city, surrounded by important public buildings.
• Communication routes, such as the consular roads and the Po River, were crucial for trade.
• Milan became the capital of the Western Roman Empire in 286 A.D. under Emperor Maximian.
• Hydraulic infrastructures, such as the Vetra Canal and aqueducts, were essential for daily life.

Urbanism and Architecture of Roman Milan

The first walls of Mediolanum date back to Republican times, probably built under the principate of Octavian Augustus. The city gates, such as Porta Romana and Porta Ticinese, were essential for the defence and control of access to the city. The current city centre traces the area of ancient Mediolanum, of which there are still some remains.

The forum of Mediolanum was the beating heart of public and political life. It was home to important buildings such as the basilica, theatre and circus. The forum was a meeting and exchange place, where the main commercial and social activities took place.

The private dwellings in Mediolanum, known as domus, were often richly decorated with mosaics and frescoes. Some remains of these dwellings have been found in the modern Via Gorani and Piazza Borromeo. The domus were equipped with porticoed courtyards and heated rooms, demonstrating a high level of comfort and luxury for the time.

Communication Routes and Trade

Consular roads were essential to connect Mediolanum with the rest of the Roman Empire. These roads, such as the Via Varesina, allowed a continuous flow of goods and people, facilitating trade and the spread of ideas.

The markets of Mediolanum were lively and full of activity. Products from every corner of the Empire could be found here. The city was a meeting point for merchants and craftsmen, making it an economic centre of great importance.

La Vita Quotidiana at Mediolanum

In Mediolanum, daily life was characterised by a great variety of customs. People dressed in tunics and togas, and women often wore elaborate jewellery. Houses were decorated with mosaics and frescoes, reflecting a taste for art and beauty. The city was a centre of social activity, with public baths and busy markets where goods from all over the Roman Empire could be found.

Religion played a fundamental role in the lives of the inhabitants of Mediolanum. Numerous temples were dedicated to the Roman gods, and religious ceremonies were important events. The city also hosted oriental cults, such as that of Mithras, which attracted many followers. Religious festivals were occasions of great popular participation, with processions and sacrifices.

Events and shows were much-awaited moments of entertainment. The amphitheatre of Mediolanum was the main venue for gladiatorial games and animal hunts. Chariot races were held in the circus, attracting enthusiastic crowds. The theatres were also very popular, offering performances of comedies and tragedies. These events not only entertained, but also strengthened the sense of community among the inhabitants.

Milan as Capital of the Western Roman Empire

In 286 A.D., Emperor Diocletian decided to divide the Roman Empire into two parts, entrusting the western portion to Maximian. Milan, then known as Mediolanum, was chosen as the capital of the Western Roman Empire. This decision marked the beginning of a period of great splendour for the city, which became an important political and economic centre.

The choice of Mediolanum as capital was part of the administrative reorganisation of the empire known as the tetrarchy. Diocletian and Maximian, together with their deputies, ruled from different cities to better control the vast territories. Mediolanum, thanks to its strategic location and infrastructure, became the beating heart of the Roman West.

The Imperial Palace

Maximian embellished Mediolanum with numerous monuments, including the grand imperial palace on today’s Via Brisa. This complex included residences, private baths and places of worship. The palace was directly connected to the Roman circus, allowing the emperor access to it without going out into the street. This imperial quarter represented the centre of power and political life in the city.

The Edict of Milan

In 313 A.D., Emperor Constantine promulgated the Edict of Milan, a fundamental document that guaranteed religious freedom in the empire. This event marked a crucial moment in the history of Mediolanum, further consolidating its role as capital and centre of political and social innovation. Mediolanum maintained its status as capital until 402 AD, when the imperial court was transferred to Ravenna for strategic reasons.

Hydraulic Works and Infrastructure

During Roman times, Milan saw the construction of numerous hydraulic works. Among these, the diversion of rivers was crucial to ensure an adequate water supply for the city. The ancient Romans altered the course of rivers and streams to bring additional water to Mediolanum, thus meeting the growing needs of the population and greatly improving the quality of life.

The Vetra Canal, created by the ancient Romans, was an important hydraulic infrastructure. This canal collected water from the Olona river and channelled it towards the moat of the Roman walls of Milan. Its construction allowed for better management of the city’s water resources, making it possible to irrigate and supply water for various public and private uses.

Unlike other Roman cities, Mediolanum did not require large aqueducts, as water was abundant and easily accessible thanks to nearby springs and streams. Nevertheless, Roman baths were a key element of daily life, offering not only a place for physical well-being but also for socialising. Roman waterworks, therefore, not only satisfied practical needs, but also contributed to the social cohesion of the community.

The Battles and Sieges of Roman Milan

The Battle of Milan (260)

In 260 AD, Milan was the scene of an important battle between Roman forces and the Alemanni. Milan’s military importance grew considerably during the imperial age, becoming a strategic outpost for the defence of the Empire. Gallienus’ armies managed to defeat a horde of Alemanni, who had broken through the Germanic-Rhaetian limes and were threatening Italy.

The Siege of Milan (268)

Only eight years later, in 268 A.D., Milan suffered a siege by the same Germanic tribes. The city, thanks to its fortifications and the determination of its inhabitants, managed to resist the attack. This event once again underlined Milan’s strategic importance in the defence of the Roman Empire.

The Siege of Milan (402)

In 402 A.D., Milan was besieged again, this time by the Visigoths led by Alaric. The siege put the city to the test, but eventually the Visigoths were forced to retreat. This episode marked one of the most critical moments in Milan’s history, highlighting its political and military importance within the Western Roman Empire.

The Milano Romana tour

Go to Via San Giovanni sul Muro: here you will find traces of the ancient circle of walls and especially Porta Vercellina (49 BC), on the corner with Via Meravigli. You are on the border of the Roman walls. Please note: the name ‘Porta Vercellina’ was later used for three other gates that gave access to the city in the later city walls. This one in via San Giovanni sul Muro is the original one.

Then go to Brisa Street to see the few remains of Emperor Maximian’s palace (250-310 A.D.).

Maximian had an ancient hippodrome built, one of the two towers of which can be seen, which has been transformed into the bell tower of the convent of San Maurizio Maggiore. There is also an octagonal mausoleum, contained in a sarcophagus that has now become a baptismal font, which can be found in the Milan Cathedral. Along Via Brisa we also encounter the remains of the Roman Baths.

Now continue walking to Piazza Affari and then head towards Via San Vittore al Teatro: you will come across the remains of an ancient theatre, the city’s oldest public building dating back to the 1st century BC.

Pop into Via Morigi 2: you can admire the remains of a mortar floor with marble inserts that were part of a domus.

Continue the walk: between Via Circo and Via Vigna stood the circus built at the end of the 3rd century A.D. by Emperor Maximianus Herculeus and later demolished in 1162 A.D. by Barbarossa or the Milanese themselves. You have to imagine, though: there is no trace of the monument, only the street name remains.

Go now to Largo Carrobbio to admire the Torre dei Musulmani, the only surviving remnant of the Porta Ticinensis (Ticinese Gate) from the 1st century BC. You can also see traces of the foundation slab, which can be visited through the basement, of the octagonal body of the Chapel of Sant’Aquilino that belonged to a public building dating back to the end of the 1st century AD.

You have arrived in the area of Corso di Porta Ticinese where there are the Colonne di San Lorenzo, a marble colonnade in front of the façade of the church of San Lorenzo: these Colonne are the best preserved Roman monument in Milan. Probably also the most famous.

Now head back towards the centre and go to via De Amicis 13 to see the remains of the Amphitheatre, one of the largest in northern Italy, which dates back to the 1st century AD outside the city walls, in the Porta Ticinensis area. The amphitheatre is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30 to 16.30: the visit is free.

Continue to Piazza San Sepolcro where the Roman Forum used to be: again, nothing is left, but it is possible to admire part of the original paving in the basement of the Pinacoteca Ambrosiana in Milan (admission fee).

With a bit of luck, you can try going to Largo Corsia dei Servi where the remains of the Roman Baths are located: they can be visited by entering the Chamber of Commerce (during opening hours and asking at the entrance), thanks to a specially made glass walkway. You will walk above the Baths and be able to see the remains from above.

If you have some time to spare and want to learn more about the Roman history of Milan, go to Corso Magenta 15 to the Archaeological Museum. In the garden there are the remains of the circus and a tower that has been converted into a bell tower. In the museum there is a section dedicated to the Roman period on the ground floor.

While you are at it, take a step back in time and visit the church of San Maurizio al Monastero: it is not Roman, but it is beautiful.