gabii

Gabii was an ancient city located in Latium, Italy, approximately 11 miles southeast of Rome. Historically, it was one of the oldest cities of Latium, predating the founding of Rome itself. According to legend, Gabii was founded by the king of Alba Longa, Silvius, or by the sons of Rhea Silvia. It was a significant member of the Latin League.

Throughout its history, Gabii maintained a complex relationship with Rome. At times it was an ally, and at others, it was a rival or even conquered. The city is famously associated with the story of Tarquinius Superbus, the last king of Rome. According to tradition, his son, Sextus Tarquinius, feigned exile in Gabii and, through trickery, gained the trust of the city's inhabitants, paving the way for its eventual subjugation by Rome. After this, Gabii became a Roman dependency, its citizens eventually granted Roman citizenship but without the rights of the Romans in Rome itself, a status known as *cives sine suffragio*.

Gabii was known for its alabaster quarries, which supplied material for statues and decorative objects. The city declined in importance with the rise of Rome and was largely abandoned by the early medieval period. Today, the archaeological site of Gabii is an important source of information for understanding ancient Latium and Roman urban development. Excavations have revealed remains of temples, villas, and a theater, offering glimpses into the city's past grandeur.