Velitrae
Velitrae, an ancient city located in the Latium region of modern-day Lazio, Italy, is situated on a spur of Mount Artemisio. This historic site has roots dating back to the Volsci, who may have founded the settlement initially known as Velester, possibly hinting at Etruscan connections. According to historical accounts, Velitrae became a Latin colony in 494 BC following its defeat by Roman forces, and it was further developed as a Roman colony under Emperor Claudius in the 1st century AD. The city is notable for its flourishing wine production and the presence of important architectural features, including temples dedicated to various deities such as Apollo and Fortuna, as well as a basilica, theater, and amphitheater. Velitrae was also the birthplace of Gaius Octavius, the father of the future Emperor Augustus. Archaeological discoveries in the area have revealed richly decorated terracotta artifacts and numerous statues, indicating the city's significance in the Roman world. The site reflects a diverse history, with evidence of burials spanning from the Early Iron Age to the Christian period, showcasing its long-lasting cultural heritage.
Subject Terms
Velitrae
(Velletri)
An ancient city of Latium (Lazio, western Italy), on a spur of Mount Artemisio, dominating the gap between the Alban Hills—of which it lay on the southern rim—and the mountains of the Volsci: it was they who founded or occupied the settlement, under the name of Velester (although this name has also been believed to suggest an Etruscan link). According to Livy, Velitrae received a Latin colony (founded by the Latin League, to which it belonged, in concert with the Romans) in 494 BC, after its inhabitants' defeat by the consul Publius Verginius; and a further batch of colonists was introduced c 404.
After the Romans had defeated the Latins in 338 the town was annexed by the victors, who destroyed its walls, deported its senate, and distributed its lands among new Roman settlers. In the third century, as an inscription indicates, the Volscian language (related to Umbrian) was still spoken at Velitrae; but further settlers followed, under a Lex Sempronia. Wine production flourished at the place. It was the native city of the wealthy knight (eques) Gaius Octavius, the father of Augustus, praetor in 61 BC. Velitrae received a new draft of veteran immigrants under Claudius (AD 41–54) and became a Roman colony.
The site has yielded richly decorated terracotta architectural features from an early temple (very similar to other such objects found at Rome and Veii). Shrines of Apollo, Sancus, Fortuna and Diva Declona are recorded, in addition to a basilica, theater and amphitheater. Finds in the neighborhood include a large variety of statues which presumably belonged to the villas of rich Romans. Burials range from the Early Iron Age to the Christian period.