Abstract

In ad 286, Milan was chosen to become a sedes imperii and the residence of the newly appointed tetrarch Maximan. Consequently, the city was transformed to accommodate the new Cesar and its large retinue: an imperial palace was constructed with a hippodrome, baths, and new monumental defences. The impact of Milan’s new administrative role, however, went beyond its urban perimeter. Focusing specifically on ongoing research projects in the Basso Verbano – the area south of Lake Maggiore – this lecture will explore the impact of Milan’s newly acquired role in the countryside.