Altinum, Archaeological site and national museum in Quarto d'Altino, Italy.
Altinum is an ancient Roman settlement spanning around 100 hectares north of Venice Airport, situated about 3 meters above the surrounding wetland. The excavated areas reveal the remains of city gates with twin towers, residential buildings, and mosaic floors from the Roman period.
The Palaeoveneti founded the settlement in the first millennium BC, which later became a Roman municipality in classical times. Its location on a navigable waterway made it a significant trading hub in the region.
The museum displays decorative items from Roman times, including a headless statue of Icarus and glassware that reveal the craftsmanship of the era. These objects show visitors how prosperous and skilled the inhabitants were.
The site is divided into two separate excavation areas that are easy to walk through. It is advisable to wear comfortable shoes, as the ground is flat but open and can have wet spots after rain.
Aerial photography has revealed the outlines of buildings and streets so clearly that researchers could map the city's exact layout. This method also exposed a canal that ran through the center, giving residents direct access to trade routes.
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