The phrase refers to the plebeian secession to a hill in ancient Rome, historically known as the Aventine Hill (Colle Aventino). It occurred in 494 BCE as a collective protest by the plebs to demand political rights and safeguards, eventually leading to the creation of the Tribunes of the Plebs and greater influence for the common people in the Roman Republic. The expression “ritirarsi sull’Aventino” thus became a shorthand for a strategic withdrawal or protest action by a social group to press for concessions. Details:

• Historical event: Secessio plebis (plebeian secession) on the Aventine Hill, distinct from merely leaving work or military service; it was a deliberate political move to deprive the city of labor and governance leverage.

• Outcome: Pressure on the patrician classes contributed to the establishment of tribunes of the plebs and expanded political protections for plebeians. Over time, the Aventine Rocchio symbolized popular resistance and political negotiation.

• Crosswords/quiz references: In Italian word games, the eight-letter answer commonly given for “Il colle su cui si ritirava la plebe romana” is AVENTINO. This reflects the historical locus of the secession and is widely cited in puzzle sources.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise timeline of the secession, its key actors (like the first tribunes), and its broader political significance in the early Republic.