How did Roman emperors gain the support of the people?

Just a few kilometres from the centre of Cortona, at the archaeological site of the Roman Villa of Ossaia, five small bronze plaques reveal an ancient strategy of power: distributing money and valuable objects to strengthen public support for the emperor.

In this episode of Cortona: City of Hidden Treasures, Silvia Vecchini meets Professor Helena Fracchia, who has spent more than thirty years studying and excavating this important archaeological site.

From its origins as an Etruscan religious sanctuary to its transformation into a prestigious Roman villa, we explore the history of Ossaia, the meaning of the imperial portraits and the possible purpose of the mysterious boxes to which the plaques were once attached.

A journey through archaeology, politics and propaganda, uncovering one of the lesser-known treasures of the Cortona area.