Norba, Archaeological site in Norma, Italy.
Norba is an ancient city in the western Volscian Mountains of Lazio, Italy, whose massive polygonal walls still encircle the site. These walls are built from large limestone blocks fitted together without mortar, following the natural contour of the hill.
Norba was established around 492 BC as a colony of the Latin League and later became a Roman colony that helped control the surrounding region. During the civil wars of the late 1st century BC, the city was destroyed and never resettled.
The remains of two temples on the site show how the city's inhabitants expressed their beliefs through stone. One of these temples was dedicated to the goddess Juno Lucina, whose cult was closely linked to childbirth and protection.
The site sits on a hill above Norma and requires sturdy footwear, as the ground is uneven and the ruins are fully exposed to the sun. Visitors should bring water, as there are no facilities on site.
Although Norba has been abandoned for nearly 2,100 years, the Porta Maggiore gateway and its defensive tower have survived largely intact. The dry construction of the walls, using no binding material, has paradoxically contributed to their long life.
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