Sulcus Primigenius, Aquileia (UD), Italy

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Aquileia, located in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of Italy, was founded by the Romans in 181 BC on the northeastern boundary of the territory they controlled at that time, which had anti-Illyrian function. This relief shows the ritual of tracing the original furrow, or the boundaries established at the founding of a new city. These boundaries were a furrow dug by an ox-drawn plow, raised only where gates existed. Later, these boundaries were generally reinforced with walls, but the most important thing was the initial rite, which was religious in nature, as the walls served not only a practical purpose but were considered sacred and inviolable, separating civilized life from barbarism and the state of nature outside.