The Aventine Hill is the most southern of the seven hills of Rome. It consists actually of two peaks shared by a smooth valley, the first peak is close to the Tiber and the second, the "Minor Aventine", is more south. Originally the hill was called Mons Murcius, from the myrtles bushes covering it and only later was named with the current name still in use. However a number of different sources (including Ennius and Servius) relate to its etymology as a more direct connection to the founding of Rome for it was here where Romulus saw the birds (aves) which would have reveal the place of Rome's foundation. Differently, others think of the name as to come from the king of the city of Alba-Longa, Aventino, who was struck by a lightning and buried here.

During the Republic, it has always been a popular district, mostly foreign traders lived here since the commercial harbor on the Tiber was near. Under the Empire became a more residential area and the lower classes moved down to the plains of the river banks.

Many temples were built on the Aventine hill: King Servius Tullius let build a temple of Diana which became the federal sanctuary of the Latins.The temple dedicated to Juno Regina consacreted by Camillo after the destruction of Veii in 396 b.C. was also located here.