Untold Italy · Friday, September 25, 2026
A historical anecdote reveals that Roman Emperor Augustus initially owned Ischia. However, he traded it for Capri, recognizing its strategic value and potential for development. Augustus then commissioned villas on Capri, a practice later expanded by his successor, Tiberius, who is said to have built twelve villas on the island.
“Augustus He did some trades. Didn't he? Interesting story, yes. He actually owned Ischia and then when he saw Capri, he traded Ischia for Capri. And he actually had commenced building some of his villas on Capri. And when he passed and his stepson Tiberius took over as the Roman emperor, he, they say, commissioned 12 villas on Capri.”