Page 44 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Venice & The Veneto

42  INTRODUCING VENICE AND THE VENE T O

Roman Veneto

The Veneto takes its name from the Veneti, the pre-Roman
inhabitants of the region, whose territory fell to the superior
military might of the Romans in the 3rd century BC. Verona
was then built as a base for the thrusting and ambitious
Roman army which swept northwards over the Alps to
conquer much of modern France and Germany. While the
Roman Empire remained intact the Veneto prospered, but
the region bore the brunt of fierce and destructive bar barian Horsemen in Roman Army
attacks that began in the 4th century AD. Riddled by Goths, Huns and Vandals served as
in-fighting and the split between Rome and Constantinople, mercenaries in the Roman cavalry
but later turned
the imperial administration began to crumble. to plunder.

Horse-Drawn Carriage
Finds from the region show the
technological skills and luxurious
lifestyles of the inhabitants.

The Forum
(market square)

The Arena was completed in
AD 30 to entertain the troops
stationed in Verona. It could
hold 30,000 spectators.

Verona
Chariot Racing
A pre-Roman chariot Securely fortified and moated by the
in Adria’s museum River Adige, Roman Verona was divided
(see p189) suggests into square blocks (insulae or “islands”).
the Romans adopted The Forum has since been filled in by
the sport from their medieval palaces, but several landmarks
predecessors. are still discernible today (see p194).

87 BC Catullus, Roman love poet, born in Verona
6th century BC Veneto region occupied 89 BC The citizens of Verona, Padua,
by the Euganei and the Veneti Vicenza, Este and Treviso granted full
rights of Roman citizenship
600 BC 500 400 300 200 100

3rd century BC Veneto conquered
by the Romans. The Veneti and
Euganei adopt Roman culture and
lose their separate identities
Catullus (87–c.54 BC)

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