Roman Aquileia
Aquileia | |
The ancient Roman city of Aquileia in its development, period by period: from the early republican period (with the walls of the quadrangular legionary castrum in darker pink); to the later period after the construction of the Via Annia (after the victory over the Cimbri) with the walls built in 100 B.C.; to the early imperial city (with the walls built in the period between Emperor Marcus Aurelius and Maximinus Thrax); and to the fourth-century city of Theodosius I. The main monuments of the period are present: the circus, theater, curia, Palatium, baths, river port, etc. | |
Aquileia Shown within Italy | |
| Location | Aquileia, Italy |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 45°46′24″N 13°21′59″E / 45.773291°N 13.366509°E |
Aquileia was an ancient town in northeastern Italy, located near the head of the Adriatic Sea. Founded in 181 BC as a Roman military colony, it was originally established to secure the eastern borders of Italy against neighboring tribes such as the Carni and Histri. The city subsequently grew into an important frontier military city. Its strategic location made it an hub for trade and military operations, particularly for Roman expansion toward the Danube. In classical antiquity, Aquileia was a major Roman city with an estimated population close to 100,000 in the 2nd century CE.
Aquileia was one of the first cities in which Christianity could be practised unhindered; the Patriarch of Aquileia was the second most important person of the Western Church after the bishop of Rome. In the 4th century, the construction of the Patriarchal Basilica under Bishop Theodore marked the city as an important religious center. However, the city's decline began after being sacked by Attila the Hun in 452 AD. Aquileia remained a religious center, though its military significance waned. Over time, the patriarchal seat moved to Cividale del Friuli for greater security. In the 8th century, Aquileia's significance was further diminished, but the city experienced a revival around the year 1000.
The remains of ancient Aquileia, known as the "Archaeological Area of Aquileia and the Patriarchal Basilica," have been part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1998. The Museo Archeologico Nazionale di Aquileia, situated in the modern town, showcases archaeological artifacts from the ancient city.