<< Feature Articles >> Visiting Emilia Romagna for ancient history and fantastic food

Submitted by Andy B on Friday, 24 June 2016 Page Views: 3308

Multi-periodCountry: Italy Region: Emilia-Romagna
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Thanks to its unique geography, acting as a bridge and border between the north and the centre-south of Italy, the region of Emilia Romagna has over the centuries assumed an important role in Italy's social and political affairs. It has much fascinating Celtic and Roman history, making it a great region to explore and of course taste the best of Italian produce and food.

Terramara di Montale

The Terramara were villages in the Emilia region of the river Po plains in about the second millennium BC. The settlements were characterised by surrounding fortifications of massive embankments and ditches with wooden palisades. They were often built on raised platforms in the marshy areas, with the aid of much piling.

The Terramara di Montale was "rediscovered" in the second half of the 19th century, and excavations and investigations have been ongoing since. Remains of the ancient ditch and embankment can be seen, and there is an area where many of the excavation finds are displayed.

There is also an open air museum and part of a reconstructed village, which has displays of Terramara life, along with various experimental archaeology exhibits. More details on our Terramara di Montale page.

Veleia Romana

Veleia was discovered in 1747 thanks to the finding of Tabula Alimentaria Traianea, though most of its original structure has yet to be brought to light. The Tabula Alimentaria Traianea is a bronze sheet with a law engraved on it, mentioning a loan with low interest to all peasants who accepted to take care of children. After this find, excavations continued as archaeologists found the foundations of the forum and other buildings; 12 marble statues (among which Livia, emperor Augustus's wife) and many other small bronze statues, coins, medals, inscriptions, small tools and another bronze tabula with prescriptions to municipia in Gallia Cisalpina have been found. A spa (thermae) was also found.

Parma National Archaeological Museum

The nearby town of Parma is home to Italy's National Archaeological Museum (Museo Archeologico Nazionale). The collections include finds from aforementioned Roman city of Veleja as well as a wider collection of Egyptian artefacts, Greek, Roman and Etruscan sculptures, ceramics, glassware and coins. There is also a pre and protohistoric sections and a gallery for Parma and the surrounding area in the Roman period.

The region is also home to the far-reaching east-west Roman route of Via Emilia. The road began in 187 BC. Its construction consolidated of Roman power in Cisalpine Gaul and ended the difficult early phase of expansion into Northern Italy, dotted with conflicts with the Celtic tribes and by Hannibal's campaigns. Settlements flourished, giving Emilia-Romagna the settlement scheme it maintains today.

A region to taste

Parma is of course world-renowned for its ham. Other food from Emilia Romagna is equally well known for its gastronomic quality - balsamic vinegar of Modena (Aceto Balsamico di Modena) is an integral part of the local culinary tradition through the centuries and you can also find fantastic parmesan, "cappelletti", seasonings , and salami. As well as being a versatile and intriguing ingredient of countless regional recipes, the region's food is the main feature of many local festivals and events throughout the year.

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