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===Venetic period===
Between the 2nd and 1st millennium BC, the region was inhabited by the [[Euganei]]. According to ancient historians, who perhaps wanted to link Venetic origins to legend of Roman origins in [[Troy]], the [[Adriatic Veneti|Veneti]] (often called the ''Palaeoveneti'') came from [[Paphlagonia]] in [[Anatolia]] at the time of the [[Trojan War|Fall of Troy]] (12th century BC), led by prince [[Antenor (mythology)|Antenor]], a comrade of [[Aeneas]]. Other historians link Venetic origins with [[Celts]].

In the 7th–6th centuries BC the local populations of Veneto entered into contact with the [[Etruscan civilization|Etruscans]] and the [[Greeks]]. Venetic culture reached a high point during the 4th century BC. These ancient Veneti spoke [[Venetic language|Venetic]], an [[Indo-European languages|Indo-European]] language akin to, but distinct from [[Latin]] and the other [[Italic languages]]. Meanwhile, the Veneti prospered through their trade in [[amber]] and breeding of horses. [[House of Este|Este]], [[Padua]], [[Oderzo]], [[Adria]], [[Vicenza]], [[Verona]], and [[Altinum|Altino]] became centres of Venetic culture. Over time, the Veneti began to adopt the dress and certain other customs of their [[Celts|Celtic]] neighbours.

[[File:Venice – The Tetrarchs 03.jpg|thumb|The [[Tetrarchy|Tetrarchs]] were the four co-rulers who governed the [[Roman Empire]] as long as [[Diocletian]]'s reform lasted. Here they are portrayed embracing, in a posture of harmony, in a porphyry sculpture dating from the 4th century, produced in [[Anatolia]], located today on a corner of [[St Mark's Basilica]] in [[Venice]]. ]]