The group, which consists of archaeologists, artists and actors, said they would 'symbolically close' the ancient villa and nearby Villa d'Este on February 4 and continue their protest in a march. The environmental association Legambiente and local residents groups were also participating in the demonstration.
Rome's decision to open the dump near the villa came as other city dumps neared capacity and officials rushed to avoid a Naples-like crisis. Hadrian's Villa dates back to 118 AD though work continued for decades, eventually creating a sprawling complex of 30 buildings stretching for over a kilometre.
Emperor Hadrian reportedly had a low opinion of the traditional imperial palace on the Palatine Hill in Rome and although the villa was originally designed as an occasional retreat, Hadrian eventually lived there permanently.
From there Hadrian governed the empire, connected by a postal service to Rome.
Although some of Hadrian's successors used the villa, it eventually fell into disuse.
Cardinal Ippolito II d'Este sealed the fate of the complex in the 16th century, when he scavenged much of the marble and statues to decorate his own luxurious Villa d'Este, today famous for its fountains.
Source: ANSA [January 30, 2012]