Aquileia

Discovering Aquileia

Hello friend! Today I will tell you about Aquileia, an Italian city located in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. It is a municipality inhabited by approximately 3123 people, but it has a long and interesting history that is worth knowing. Along with Ravenna and Brescia, Aquileia is one of the most important archaeological sites in northern Italy and has played a fundamental role in the history of Friuli.

Physical geography

Aquileia develops around the patriarchal basilica and incorporates the remains of the ancient Roman city. The municipal territory is crossed by the Natissa river and consists of cultivated land and planizial forests. The hamlet of Belvedere, which is located near the lagoon of Grado, hosts two beautiful pine forests.

History

Roman era

The history of Aquileia begins in 181 BC, when it was founded as a Roman colony of Latin law. Three other Roman colonies founded the city to block the way for the barbarians who threatened the eastern borders of Italy. The city grew and became an important military and political center. Aquileia was also an important emporium thanks to its port system and the important roads that branched off from it.

During its period of maximum splendor, Aquileia was an important artistic and cultural center. However, the city was also hit by the Antonine Plague, an epidemic of smallpox that claimed numerous victims between 165 and 189 AD.

Conclusions

In summary, Aquileia is a city with a long and important history that deserves to be known. If you are passing through the area, I recommend visiting the city and its important archaeological sites. You won't regret it!

Wrote by Andrea Giordano

Updated Tuesday, May 10, 2022