Altinum

Altinum is thought to date back to the late Bronze Age and was on the strategic trade route between Rome and its eastern provinces around the Danube. It started to thrive under Roman occupation, although the inhabitants were from the Adriatic-Veneti tribe. At the beginning of the empire, the Via Claudia Augusta was built, which began at Altinum and reached the German limes of the northeast at the Danube, a distance of 350 miles. Due to its strategic and commercial importance, and also its sheltered location and mild climate (compared to the rest of northern Italy) Altinum became a favoured centre for the rich, and many luxurious villas were built.

The town was sacked by the Huns in 452 AD and much of its was burned beyond recognition. However, it wasn't until 568 that the Lombards invaded, finally pushing the inhabitants out onto the Venetian Lagoon. Altinum was abandoned, while the Veneti established new centres on the islands of the Lagoon - forming the modern city of Venice. The mainland site of Altinum is little more than a few corn fields these days - although there is a small village called Altino, just north of Marco Polo airport, which has 100 inhabitants.