The Romanisation of the Italian peninsula was a long and complex process that transformed a highly fragmented territory into a powerful and enduring empire. Rome adapted its strategy each time it encountered different peoples. For example, with the Umbrians and the Samnites, a harsh approach based on conquest and subjugation was chosen. In contrast, more diplomatic solutions were pursued elsewhere, primarily through the construction of roads, bridges, aqueducts, and cities, which encouraged locals to adopt "civilisation" and abandon their "savage" status. Furthermore, these cities often served as veritable fortifications, guaranteeing Roman soldiers direct control over a recently conquered territory; one example is modern-day Aosta, whose name derives from the Latin Augusta Prætoria, recalling the Praetorian Guard.

A particularly notable case in the process of Romanisation is that of the ancient Veneti. They never came into direct conflict with Rome, nor were they encouraged to take over its political machine. This is because the Veneti, the only people on the Italian peninsula, were never considered inferior to the Romans, but rather equal in rank, especially historically and culturally.

The uniqueness of this relationship, which later blossomed into a true friendship between the two peoples, can be traced to mythological tradition.

Furthermore, this tale includes Antenor, a Trojan prince and close companion of Aeneas, who, together with Aeneas, escaped the destruction of Troy. According to tradition, after long wanderings, Antenor landed on the coast of Padua and later founded Patavium, now Padua. Notably, historian Titus Livius of Padua recalls that the Pagus Troianus stood near the Paduan countryside.

Given these legendary connections, we can ask whether this tradition is truly ancient or instead originated with the Veneti as the Romans began their expansion. Though there is no definitive answer —legend or reality —the Romans considered the Veneti their equals—true cousins of Trojan blood.