Alba Longa,

Alba Longa, the most ancient city of Latium, situated on the rocky ridge that runs along the eastern shore of the Alban Lake, between the lake and the Alban Mount. According to legendary history, it was built by Ascanius, the son of Æneas, about 300 years before the foundation of Rome, which is represented as a colony of Alba Longa. Notwithstanding this, the Romans, under Tullus Hostilius, destroyed the city, and removed the inhabitants to Rome. It seems certain that Alba Longa was an important city long before the existence of Rome, and the head of a confederation of Latin towns, and that when it was destroyed, many of its inhabitants settled at Rome. Traces of its walls may yet be seen. See ALBANO.