Alba Fucens

Alba Fucens was a major Roman colony founded in 303 BC at 1,000 m elevation at the foot of Monte Velino in Abruzzo, Italy. Rome sent 3,000 legionnaires to colonize the local Marsi, creating a strategic outpost along the Via Valeria. Its polygonal walls stretch nearly 3 km and are among the best-preserved in Italy. The site features a forum, thermal baths, amphitheatre, and a Hippodamian grid plan. It was destroyed by the Saracens in the 10th century.