Lost Roman city rediscovered
April 9th 2011 Posted at End of empire, Roman
Scientists using infrared technology have rediscovered the former Roman city of Altinum, destroyed and abandoned 1500 years ago.
In the early summer of 452 AD Attila led the army of the Huns into Italy. They came down the road that led from Emona (Ljubliana) to Aquileia. One report said the Hunnish host covered the last 60 miles in one day. For the Romans, it must have been terrifying. Aquileia was taken and burnt and many other cities including Concordia, Altinum and Patavium (Padua) were attacked.
The people fled and sought refuge in the coastal salt marshes and lagoon islands. This exodus later gave rise to the city of Venice.
The Huns moved west attacking Verona and Mediolanum (Milan) before a combination of disease, hunger, gold tribute and military pressure persuaded them to leave. The Roman Supreme Commander, Aetius, probably abandoned the northern cities in order to save Rome and the south.
Aquileia was restored but the cities of Concordia and Altinum were abandoned and never reoccupied.
Now scientists using infrared technology have rediscovered the site of Altinum near Venice’s Marco Polo airport. Infrared photography can detect differences in vegetation caused by ground disturbance and stone foundations.
Researchers have been able to detect archaeological features such as churches, basilica, an amphitheatre, shops, a theatre and harbour. The city was enclosed by walls and was surrounded by a network of rivers and canals that connected Altinum to the lagoon.
Credit: Andrea Ninfo, Paolo Mozzi, Alessandro Fontana, et al., Science (31 July 2009)