Ancient Altinum

Before there was was Venice there was Altinum, located near the mouth of the river Silis, inhabited from the 8th century BC until 452 AD when Attila and his Huns sent the populace fleeing to Torcello; later incursions by the Lombards encouraged everyone who returned to move into the lagoon as well. The diocese of Altinum moved to Torcello in 647, and by the 11th century Altinum was abandoned.

Later Venetians quarried the site for marbles to build their churches and palazzi, as the rest of the mainly brick city sunk in the mud of the lagoon shore. During the drought of 2007, aerial shots of the swampy area revealed the typical grid layout of a prosperous Roman city, with a large amphitheatre, canals and bridges, and important wool, dairy and shellfish industries. Two archaeological areas are near the museum, including a beautifully preserved stretch of road.