LAURENTINA

laurentina, via, an ancient road of italy, leading southwards from rome. the question of the nomenclature of the group of roads between the via ardeatina and the via ostiensis is somewhat difficult, and much depends on the view taken as to the site of laurentum. it seems probable, however, that the via laurentina proper is that which led out of the porta ardeatina of the aurelian wall and went direct to tor paterno, while the road branching from the via ostiensis at the third mile, and leading past decimo to lavinium (pratica), which crosses the other road at right angles not far from its destination (the laurentina there running s.w. and that to lavinium s.e.) may for convenience be called lavinatis, though this name does not occur in ancient times. on this latter road, beyond decimo, two milestones, one of tiberius, the other of maxentius, each bearing the number 11, have been found; and farther on, at capocotta, traces of ancient buildings, and an important sepulchral inscription of a jewish ruler of a synagogue have come to light. that the via laurentina was near the via ardeatina is clear from the fact that the same contractor was responsible for both roads. laurentum was also accessible by a branch from the via ostiensis at the eighth mile (at malafede) leading past castel porziano, the royal hunting-lodge, which is identical with the ancient ager solonius (in which, festus tells us, was situated the pomonal or sacred grove of pomona) and which later belonged to marius. see r. lanciani in articles quoted under lavinium. (t. as.)