Mediolanum

Ancient city in present-day Milan, Italy

Mediolanum

  [[File:|frameless|alt=]]

Alternative name
Location	Milan, Italy
Region	Lombardy
Coordinates
OS grid reference
Altitude
Grid position
Type	Settlement
Part of
Length

Mediolanum was an ancient city located in what is now Milan, in the region of Lombardy, Italy. The city was originally founded by the Celtic Insubres in around 600 BC. It later became a significant center of the Roman Republic and subsequently the Roman Empire.

History

Celtic Period

Mediolanum was established by the Insubres, a Celtic tribe, around 600 BC. The name "Mediolanum" is believed to derive from the Celtic words "medio" (middle) and "lanon" (plain), indicating its central position in the Po Valley.

Roman Period

In 222 BC, the city was conquered by the Roman Republic. Under Roman rule, Mediolanum grew in importance due to its strategic location. It became a key center for trade and military operations in northern Italy.

During the Roman Empire, Mediolanum was one of the most important cities in the western part of the empire. It was the capital of the Western Roman Empire from 286 to 402 AD, under the reign of Emperor Diocletian and his successors. The city was known for its impressive architecture, including the Basilica of San Lorenzo, the Colonne di San Lorenzo, and the Roman Walls of Milan.

Post-Roman Period

After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Mediolanum continued to be an important city, although it faced numerous invasions and changes in control. It eventually evolved into the modern city of Milan.

Archaeological Sites

Several remnants of Mediolanum's ancient past can still be seen in Milan today. These include:

• The Basilica of San Lorenzo
• The Colonne di San Lorenzo
• The Roman Walls of Milan
• The Amphitheatre of Milan

Legacy

Mediolanum's legacy is evident in the modern city of Milan, which remains a major cultural, economic, and historical center in Italy. The city's ancient roots are reflected in its architecture, museums, and archaeological sites.

See also

• Roman Republic
• Roman Empire
• Milan
• Lombardy
• Insubres