Location and Legend: Alba Longa was a city in the area of ancient Italy known as Latium. Although we don't know exactly where it was, since it was destroyed early in Roman history, it was traditionally founded at the foot of the Alban mountain about 12 miles southeast of Rome.
Alba Longa is believed to have been the head of the Latin league.
Survival
The temples of Alba Longa were spared and its name was given to the lake, mountain (Mons Albanus, now Monte Cavo), and valley (Vallis Albana) in the area. The territory was named for Alba Longa, too, as it was called the "ager Albanus" -- a premium wine-growing region. The area also produced Peperino, a volcanic stone considered a superior building material.
Alba Longan Ancestry: Several patrician families of Rome had Alban ancestors and are assumed to have come to Rome when Tullus Hostilius destroyed their hometown.
