Veii

(now Isola Farnese ). One of the most ancient and powerful cities of Etruria, situated on the river Crimera, about 12 miles from Rome. It po e ed a strongly-fortified citadel, built on a hill rising precipitously from the deep glens which bound it, save at the single point where a narrow ridge unites it to the city. The Veientes were engaged in almost unceasing hostilities with Rome for more than three centuries and a half, and we have records of fourteen distinct wars between the two nations. Veii was at last taken by the dictator Camillus, after a siege of ten years, 396 B.C. The city fell into his hands, according to the common story, by means of a cuniculus , or mine, which was carried by Camillus from the Roman camp under the city into the citadel of Veii. The citizens were ma acred or sold as slaves, and the land confiscated.