05 Jul 06
Ten days and 2,343 miles later, under grey skies with a chill wind blowing in off the Adriatic, we reach our destination.
Founded in 181BC, Aquileia developed into one of the most important ports of its era, with sophisticated dockyards that could load and unload galleys at both low- and high-tide on quays that stretch over 400 yards.
Aquileia's importance declined after Attila sacked it, but the residents were a resourceful bunch and, not to be outdone, sailed west into the lagoons to found what we know today as Venice.
From Aquileia, amber would have been traded throughout the known world; it has been found in the far south of Italy, Greece, across the Levant and into Egypt. But my journey through little-known parts of Europe ends here. Ironically, when I left the Baltic 10 days ago, it was under Italian blue skies and now that I have reached the Adriatic, the weather is more northern and Baltic-like, especially as the wind is also driving a fierce cold rain shower.
The transport might have changed over the millennia, but the appeal of a semi-precious stone that Baltic legend says are tears of a sea goddess mourning for her lost love is still as strong as ever.
