History Buffs: Ancestor city of Venice unearthed

[imcarthur]

While it might not interest many, I have a growing obsession with ruins.

“Using satellite imaging, the outlines of the ruins can be clearly seen about three feet below the earth in what is now open countryside.

The discovery of the extensive town was found at Altino, known in Roman times as Altinum, more than seven miles north of Venice, and close to Marco Polo airport.

The ruins include streets, palaces, temples, squares and theatres, as well as a large amphitheatre and canals, showing Altinum was once a wealthy and thriving city.”

Attila rolled through in 452 & leveled it. Some of the survivors moved elsewhere in the marshes & established the modern Venice.

See the full article: Ancestor city

Then go to Google Earth & search for Altino. It’s NE of Venice. Zoom in to about 1600 ft or less. Starting at the Google Altino marker & immediately to its left. What can you see?

I’ll give you a hint:



Ian

[johncj8989]

colosseum

[dd74]

That's cool. I also love ancient ruins and civilization.

BTW: Venice itself may become a ruin because it's sinking so rapidly. As well, her citizens are leaving in droves. Whole portions of Venice are fairly much abandoned.

[imcarthur]

Originally Posted by johncj8989

colosseum

Technically no. There is only one Colosseum. But it IS an amphitheater which served the same function elsewhere. Sorry to be technical . . .

Ian

[dd74]

In Taomina, above Sisley, there is a amphitheater that was first built by the Greeks, then refurbished by the Romans. Probably one of the single coolest examples of one civilization's architecture supplanting the architecture of the preceding civilization. Hard, rough stone comprised the Greek version, and very intricate brick work was the Roman addition. The Greeks used the amphitheater for plays. The Romans, gladiator shows.

[imcarthur]

We're heading that direction late next spring. 13 days on the ground in Sicily. I'll be ruined (yuk, yuk) after that.

Ian

[dd74]

Sicily's interesting. Like a mini-Rome to me. There's a theater ruin smack in the middle of a major intersection there, about four or five meters below the street - a very strange contrast when you see cars and modern buildings around it.

But above Sicily, in the hills, is very nice. You have to check out that amphitheater if you venture upward.

P.S.: I apologize for my initial spelling of Sicily. A brain fuse blew.

[imcarthur]

We're staying 2 nights in Taormina, then on to Siracusa, Modica, near Segesta & finally Palermo. Since the Carthaginians, Greeks & Romans all set up shop at one time or other there is certainly a bunch of sites. I'm a crazed travel planner & I have it all booked. The driving should be a whole lot of fun - even in a POS rental Alpha.

Ian

[trekkor]

I also like learning about ancient cities.
I'd love to visit some sites.


KT

[legion]

Originally Posted by imcarthur

Technically no. There is only one Colosseum.

And it's in Los Angeles.

Some people do apply that name to the Flavian Amphitheatre for some reason though...

[dd74]

Originally Posted by imcarthur

We're staying 2 nights in Taormina, then on to Siracusa, Modica, near Segesta & finally Palermo. Since the Carthaginians, Greeks & Romans all set up shop at one time or other there is certainly a bunch of sites. I'm a crazed travel planner & I have it all booked. The driving should be a whole lot of fun - even in a POS rental Alpha.

Ian

You'll love it! Of your four destinations, Taormina was my only stop, though I've been to Palermo as a kid. I still remember the ruins there. You'll truly be in one of the hubs of ancient civilization.

...I'm jealous...

[beepbeep]

I would love to drive Alpha trough the Sisley! ;D

Jokes aside, I found northern Italy fascinating too!

[imcarthur]

If you do have an interest in Italian ruins, one of the best sites is the homespun Italian site by Bill Thayer who has documented a huge amount of ruins & villages throughout Italy. His day job is at the University of Chicago but he is an Italian junkie. See Gazetteer.

We stumbled on the ruins of Carsulae in Umbria years ago on our first trip to Italy with his help. A large mainly unexcavated town right on the Via Flaminia. We went one afternoon & virtually had the site to ourselves.



Ian

[tcar]

Drove a rental Alfa (Alpha?) 33 boxer all over Italy several years ago. Great, great vacation.

Did not have time to get to Sicily, sadly.

[RPKESQ]

If you enjoyed the ruins in Italy and Sicily, then you will be in heaven in Turkey (more Greek and Roman ruins than all of Greek and Italy together). Also try Tunisia, huge Roman complexes still standing abandoned.

[imcarthur]

Yes, I've thought about North Africa. And Libya too now that it's opening up. But I don't know if I'd want to devote a whole holiday to the area. Egypt comes to mind too but I am kind of Egyptian'd out after seeing the statues & artifacts in many museums along the way.

Rome is where I really have my sights set. We went a number of years ago but I just couldn't really understand the Forum. This next trip I want to spend much of a day in the Forum/Palatine Hill area & figure it all out.

Ian

[Flatbutt1]

if you come across the name Scalora in Siracusa say Ciao' to my cousins for me!

[imcarthur]

I mentioned Bill Thayer & his great site of Italian Villages with an emphasis on history. See Gazetteer of Italy.

Well, it seems that he discovered & read the thread (secret U of Chicago bot) and tried to register to make a comment. He also wanted to share a great link from Jona Lendering called: MOMENTVM which has Google map images of over 700 ancient places & ruins. Wow! If you are a Google maps junkie & an ancient ruins junkie (like me) than have a look.

Bill's post ended up as Awaiting Moderation & was rejected.

Ian