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Aquileia – ancient Roman city in Italy

Julius — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 08:57:52 +0000

In the northern part of Italy you will find the ancient archeological site known today as Aquileia. During the Roman era, the town of Aquileia was considered to be one of the wealthiest in the entire empire. It was originally settled back in 180 B.C. and grew in popularity shortly after the construction of Via Popilia was completed back in 132 B.C.

Archaeological Area and the Patriarchal Basilica of Aquileia by Giovanni Dall’Orto

Soon after the completion of the main road, which connected the town to Altinum, Aquileia would grow to become a powerful and wealth commercial center. At the peak of its time, the town of Aquileia was home to more than 200,000 Romans. The city was known for its glassmakers.

In 452, the town was attacked by Attila the Hun and set ablaze. Many of the glassmakers who had helped make the town prosperous, relocated to the area surrounding the Venetian Lagoon. It is here at the lagoon that some of the most famous glass shops min the entire empire rose.

Archaeological Area, Aquileia, Italy by Zumzum

The town of Aquileia today is a park which is opened to the general public. Many of the ruins in Aquileia such as the forum, necropolis and harbor can be visited by year round by the general public. Many people also take the time to wander through the two neighborhoods in Aquileia that have been recently opened to the public as well. There are two different museums in Aquileia that house the many artifacts that have been uncovered over the years in the archeological dig sites located throughout Aquileia.

It is important to note that the original Roman basilica which had been built back in the 3rd century was destroyed during the attacks of Attila the Hun. The present day basilica was built on the ruins of the originally by order of the House of Savoy back in 1031.

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Aosta – Alpine Rome, Italy

Julius — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 04:14:28 +0000

The city of Aosta can be found in the northern part of Italy and is nestled in the Aosta Valley region of the Italian Alps, where two rivers merge. The area where the city stands today has been inhabited since the proto-historic era. The city of Aosta is most notable for the fact that back in 25 B.C., all of the Salassi inhabitants of the city had either been killed by the Romans, or were forced into slavery.

Porta Pretoria, Aosta, Italy by Bumba

The city of Aosta would be settled afterwards by the Roman Empire which created Augusta Praetoria Salassorum. This Roman colony was to be a retirement home of sorts for more than 3,000 Roman veterans. The location was also of a military significance as both ends of the valley are protected by the Little and Great St. Bernard Passes.

Countless visitors make their way to Aosta in order to see the ancient ruins of the Augusta Praetoria Salassorum. This small colony is well-preserved and is enclosed in a walled area that measures 725 meter by 751 meters. The city once had four gates and two towers at either side of each gate. There were 20 towers in all. Nearby you will even find the 11th century Tower of Bramafan which was built atop of the original Roman bastion by the House of Savoy.

Aosta and its surroundings, Italy by Tinelot Wittermans

The 22 meter tall southern wall of the original Roman amphitheater still stands today. Built by order of Augustus, more than 4,000 people could fit into the Aosta theater. Just outside of the town you will find the Arch of Augustus which was built back in 35 B.C. to commemorate the victory over the Salassi.

All throughout the area one can find many well preserved structures which date back to the great Roman Empire. You would be amazed as to how well the Roman veterans were cared for by the empire.

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