22 May 2016

Luna (Italy)

Kaart Luna klein

Luna was founded by the Romans in 177 BC at the mouth of the river Magra in the northwest of Italy. Today the city is called Luni. It started as a military base against the Ligures, the original inhabitants of that region. The city was connected with Rome by the Via Aemilia Scauri, a road that was reconstructed in the 2nd century AD as the Via Aurelia.

The natural harbour of Luna is on the Gulf of La Spezia. It flourished because it was used for the trade in the famous white marble from the Carrara quarries. It was an essential component of the "classical" Roman architecture.

Most of the ancient city was never built upon later, but only limited excavations have taken place so far. The city has a rectangular plan. The remains of a theatre and an amphitheatre can be seen. Luna is Latin for the moon and moon goddess. She had a large temple in the city and an altar dedicated to her has been found. A famous, detailed mosaic of the Circus Maximus in Rome was found in Luna.

Do you appreciate our work?

Support us with a donation.

Become a member and support us
Recent articles & projects

Ariminum

Ariminum

.....And Ariminum has a port and a river of the same name.

Read more ...

All rivers lead to Rome

All rivers lead to Rome

.....rivers were the arteries of the Roman Empire...........

Read more ...

The Roman Servus

The Roman Servus

Let deserving slaves sit down so that they may stand up free...........

Read more ...

Massilia, “La Cité Phocéenne"

Massilia, “La Cité Phocéenne

There are several legends about the origins of Massalia (Roman Marseille) ...........

Read more ...

Patara, The craddle of civilsation

Patara, The craddle of civilsation

It was one of the four largest settlements in the Xanthos Valley and the only one in open communication with the sea...........

Read more ...
Latest news

About Roman Ports

Amor and PsycheWe are committed to providing versions of our articles and interviews in several languages, but our first language is English.

Please become a member of the Facebook group, which is our main communication platform. There you can learn about upcoming events and items of interest, post your own photos, or share any stories or general questions you may have.

If you have specific questions about our organisation, questions about financial issues, if you would like to assist in the production of our online magazine, or if you have specific requests or ideas for content, use our contactform below. You can contact us in any language!