Location and Legend: Alba Longa was a city in the area of ancient Italy known as Latium.
Alba Longa is believed to have been the head of the Latin league. Legend says Aeneas' son Ascanius founded the city and Roman King Tullus Hostilius destroyed it. This legendary time period spans about 400 years.
Survival of Alba Longa: 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.
