Altino

Altino (Altinum in Latin) was the ancient precursor to Venice. Humans have been living there since at least the 400s BC.

Over 200 pre-Roman tombs have been unearthed at Altino. The city is named after a local god, Altno.

Contents of tombs.

Many other civilizations' gods were worshiped in Altino, including Belatukadro, the Celtic god of war.

The Venetic language of Altino was written in the Etruscan alphabet, but sounded more like Latin.

Horses were a sign of status in the ancient Veneto region. Over 30 horse skeletons have been unearthed in pre-Roman Altino, most likely victims of sacrifice in connection with the Cult of the Sun.

Altino likely became a Roman city in the 100s BC. The Via Annia linked it to Rome and Aquileia, and the city, equidistant between Ravenna and Aquileia became an important Adriatic trade hub.

Altino in the 2nd century AD.

Roman painting fragments.

Roman keys and lamps.

Roman gravestone.

Reproduction of a Roman fishing net.

Roman gladiator toy.

Half of Altino's population under Roman rule were slaves or freed slaves, mostly Greek in origin.

Italian soldiers were trained in Altino during WW1.

Altino was destroyed by Attila the Hun in 452 AD. During the next 200 years, most of the populace moved into the Venetian lagoon to avoid barbarian threats. By the 11th century the city was abandoned, until a new village of Altino was founded in the 15th century. Over the years, Venice has helped itself to many of Altino's antiquities, and incorporated them into the serene city.

The National Archaeological Museum of Altino is in the process of being developed, but is still an impressive gem just outside of Venice.