ABSTRACT
Ancient Rome was littered with objects, buildings and spaces associated with events and stories from the city's actual and legendary past. For the inhabitants this physical heritage presented tangible proof of their history and was testament to their society's development. Ancient writers highlight the cultural significance of these sites and, in the example discussed below, it appears that decisions concerning the restoration of a monument take this emblematic role into consideration. However, a building's acquired symbolic importance can be distinct from its actual purpose and the apparent influences on its appearance deceptive.
