# Aquileia

> Italian comune based on the ancient Roman city in Italy, at the head of the Adriatic at the edge of the lagoons

**Wikidata**: [Q53216](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q53216)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aquileia)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aquileia

## Summary
Aquileia is an Italian *comune* (municipality) built upon the ruins of an ancient Roman city, strategically located at the head of the Adriatic Sea near coastal lagoons in the Friuli–Venezia Giulia region. Originally a major hub of the Roman Empire in *Regio X Venetia et Histria*, it remains a significant archaeological and historical site, home to landmarks like the Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption and the National Archaeological Museum.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Situated in the Province of Udine, within the regional decentralization entity of Udine (established July 1, 2020), and historically part of *Regio X Venetia et Histria* (Augustan Italy).
- **Population**: 3,369 (latest data), with fluctuations recorded at 3,306 and 3,128 in prior years.
- **Coordinates**: 45.7667° N, 13.3667° E.
- **Historical Significance**: Founded as a Roman city, later becoming the center of the *Patria del Friuli* (1077–1420), an ecclesiastical state under the Patriarch of Aquileia.
- **Landmarks**:
  - **Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, St. Hermagoras and St. Fortunatus**: Originally built in the 4th century (300–400 CE), reconstructed in 850 CE; employs 19–22 staff.
  - **National Archaeological Museum**: Established in 1882; employs 25–35 staff.
- **Administrative Context**: Part of the former Province of Udine and the modern regional entity of Udine.
- **Website**: [Official municipality site](http://www.comune.aquileia.ud.it).
- **Connected Settlements**: Includes the settlement of Belvedere.

## FAQs
**What is Aquileia’s historical role?**
Aquileia was a critical Roman city in *Regio X Venetia et Histria* and later the capital of the *Patria del Friuli*, a medieval ecclesiastical state ruled by the Patriarch of Aquileia until its acquisition by the Republic of Venice in 1420.

**What are the major attractions in Aquileia?**
The **Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption** (4th/9th century) and the **National Archaeological Museum** (founded 1882) are the primary cultural sites, showcasing Roman-era artifacts and early Christian architecture.

**How is Aquileia governed today?**
It is a *comune* within Italy’s regional decentralization framework, under the Province of Udine and the broader Friuli–Venezia Giulia region.

**What is the population of Aquileia?**
The population hovers around 3,300–3,400, with recent counts at 3,369.

**Is Aquileia part of any larger historical regions?**
Yes, it was part of *Regio X Venetia et Histria* during the Roman Empire and later the *Patria del Friuli* under the Holy Roman Empire.

## Why It Matters
Aquileia is a living testament to Rome’s imperial legacy and the transition from antiquity to the Middle Ages. As a crossroads of Roman, early Christian, and medieval Venetian history, it preserves invaluable archaeological evidence and architectural monuments. Its basilica and museum attract scholars and tourists, reinforcing its role as a bridge between Italy’s ancient past and modern cultural heritage.

## Notable For
- **Roman Heritage**: One of the most important Roman cities in northern Italy, with extensive ruins and artifacts.
- **Early Christian Basilica**: The Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption is a rare example of 4th-century Christian architecture, rebuilt in the 9th century.
- **Archaeological Museum**: Houses one of Italy’s richest collections of Roman-era relics.
- **Medieval Ecclesiastical State**: Served as the capital of the *Patria del Friuli*, a key political-religious entity in the Holy Roman Empire.
- **Strategic Location**: Positioned at the Adriatic’s edge, it was a vital trade and military hub in antiquity.

## Body

### **History and Origins**
Aquileia was founded by the Romans in 181 BCE as a colonial outpost in *Regio X Venetia et Histria*, a region of Augustan Italy. It flourished as a commercial and military center due to its proximity to the Adriatic Sea and lagoons. By the 4th century CE, it became a major early Christian hub, evidenced by the construction of the **Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption** (initially built c. 300–400 CE, later reconstructed in 850 CE).

In the medieval period, Aquileia became the seat of the **Patriarch of Aquileia**, ruling the *Patria del Friuli* (established 1077) as an ecclesiastical state within the Holy Roman Empire. This polity endured until 1420, when the Republic of Venice annexed the territory.

### **Landmarks and Architecture**
- **Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, St. Hermagoras and St. Fortunatus**:
  - **Inception**: 4th century (original); 850 CE (reconstruction).
  - **Significance**: One of the earliest Christian basilicas in Italy, featuring stunning mosaics and Romanesque elements.
  - **Staff**: Employs 9–22 people (varies by season).
- **National Archaeological Museum**:
  - **Founded**: 1882.
  - **Collection**: Roman sculptures, inscriptions, and daily-life artifacts from Aquileia’s heyday.
  - **Staff**: 25–35 employees.

### **Administrative and Geographical Context**
- **Modern Governance**: Aquileia is a *comune* in the **Province of Udine**, part of the **Friuli–Venezia Giulia** region.
- **Decentralization**: Since July 1, 2020, it falls under the **regional decentralization entity of Udine**.
- **Coordinates**: 45.7667° N, 13.3667° E (near the Adriatic lagoons).
- **Population**: 3,369 (latest), with prior counts of 3,306 and 3,128.

### **Connected Entities**
- **Belvedere**: A smaller settlement within Aquileia’s municipality.
- **Patria del Friuli**: The medieval state (1077–1420) centered in Aquileia, ruled by the Patriarch.
- **Regio X Venetia et Histria**: The Roman administrative region encompassing Aquileia.

### **Cultural and Touristic Role**
Aquileia’s **UNESCO-listed** basilica and museum draw historians, archaeologists, and tourists. The site illustrates the transition from pagan Rome to Christian Europe, with artifacts spanning 2,000+ years. Its annual visitor numbers contribute to Friuli–Venezia Giulia’s cultural tourism economy.

### **Digital Presence**
- **Official Website**: [http://www.comune.aquileia.ud.it](http://www.comune.aquileia.ud.it)
- **Wikidata**: [](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/) (89 sitelinks across languages).

### **Related Historical Polities**
- **Republic of Venice**: Acquired the *Patria del Friuli* in 1420, integrating Aquileia into its Adriatic dominions.
- **Holy Roman Empire**: The *Patria del Friuli* was an ecclesiastical state under imperial suzerainty.

Aquileia’s layered history—from Roman colony to medieval patriarchate to modern *comune*—makes it a microcosm of Italy’s evolving identity.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Czech National Authority Database
4. MusicBrainz
5. [Source](http://www.demo.istat.it/pop2015/index1.html)
6. [Popolazione Residente al 1° Gennaio 2018. Italian National Institute of Statistics](http://demo.istat.it/pop2018/index3.html)
7. [Source](https://demo.istat.it/?l=it)
8. GeoNames
9. [Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011. Italian National Institute of Statistics](https://www.istat.it/it/archivio/156224)
10. Wiki Loves Monuments Italia
11. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
12. Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands
13. [Bibliography of the History of the Czech Lands](https://biblio.hiu.cas.cz/records/7730f318-737d-4c3f-954b-aba5f34fd9f9)
14. Seismic classification in Italy
15. [Source](https://rischi.protezionecivile.gov.it/it/sismico/attivita/classificazione-sismica)
16. museum-digital