Watching the natural environment of Marano Lagunare in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
The birth of Marano, and hence the name, is linked to the origins of Aquileia. Aquileia was founded in 181 a. C. by a colony of 300 Roman soldiers to which were added later in 169 d. C. about 1,300 families in Rome, sent into the area to prevent the barbaric invasions. Some of these families were assigned to the most important and strategic to be manned. From the name of such families derive some country names as Friulian Cervignano "Ceveniano, Ontagnano" Antonio, Clauiano "Claudia" ... The family, which was put in our area, was that of Mario. This fact is still remembered by the ancient central square 'Marii, "which means" ... of Mario. " Soon the town was called "Praedium Mariani," that is the bottom or garrison of Mario. The name 'Mariano' last long, so that we find it quoted in both the first document about Marano (the news of the Synod, which comes from Paul Deacon), as a document of 1239.
Over the centuries, the 'i' Mariano disappeared and so remained Marano, a name that better illustrate the idea of a place near the sea. The addition of the lagoon is the last century. With the unification of Italy it was necessary a specification, not to confuse it with other Marano, who meanwhile had arisen in Italy. This Roman Marano finds its validation in the archaeological remains found in the lagoon and is now preserved in the Museo del Castello di Udine and the Municipal Museum of Marano, where there is a small but important collection. Another witness Roman Marano is formed from the remains of the Via Annia, an ancient Roman road that connected with Concordia Aquileja. This road passed in the lagoon area.