Ugo Bellagamba has two strings to his bow: not only is he an author, but also a lecturer at the University of Nice Sophia-Antipolis. This is not his first novel, or rather novella, which is his preferred genre. For over a decade now, Ugo Bellagamba has enjoyed immersing readers into distant worlds. His favorite theme: science fiction.
N.P: How did the idea for the novel “The 8th Hill of Rome, Cimiez: When Nice was Roman” come about?
Ugo Bellagamba: It came from my publisher, who had previously published a similar book. He proposed that I write a work in collaboration with an archaeologist because the work combines intrigue and scientific facts. The story aims to revive the hill of Cimiez during the Roman era in the third century AD. The writing phase took place in three stages. The first was meeting with scientists, immersing myself in the site, and gathering documentation. The second was to create characters who would evolve through the streets of the ancient city using known archaeological and historical bases. Finally, we exchanged views with the scientists to find the right balance between archaeological reality and crafting a captivating plot.
N.P: So this book was written in collaboration with Monique Jannet?
U.B: Yes, Monique Jannet is the curator of the Archaeology Museum of Cimiez in Nice. She was chosen to participate in the work as a scientist. She is responsible for a 32-page section in the book, written in collaboration with other scientists, where she explains the various known ancient relics of Cemenelum and the lifestyle of its inhabitants at the time.
N.P: How did this collaboration go?
U.B: Well. Even though our two professions are fundamentally opposite at their core, she has evidence for her claims, whereas I bring a site to life with both historical and fictional characters. But this collaboration makes the work an interesting result.
N.P: You are participating in the event “Nice, the Beach, the Heritage.” Is this your first time?
U.B: Yes, this is the first time I will participate. I will be hosting this evening alongside Monique Jannet. During this special evening, we will present the known relics of Nice from the Roman era, and I will specifically talk about Cornelia Salonina, the empress (widow of Gallienus), who is one of the main characters in “The 8th Hill of Rome.” I am very much looking forward to this encounter.
