MATIDIA, who held the title of “Augusta”, was a member of Rome’s Antonine dynasty. She was the niece of Emperor Trajan and mother-in-law of Emperor Hadrian. Upon her death in AD 119 Hadrian delivered the funeral oration and
proclaimed her a deity. Statues of Matidia were erected throughout the Empire, coins bearing her effigy were minted and a temple in Rome’s Campo Marzio was dedicated to her. Traces of this ancient temple have been uncovered beside the Church of Santa Maria in Aquiro in Piazza Capranica, a historic corner of the city close to the hearts of the
Santarelli family since it was here that their career as wine merchants began over a century ago.