The local tradition was formed in the lagoon based on Roman style of buildings. Fleeing
from barbaric invasions, the communities that made up the first nucleus of Venice came from the
Roman towns of Padua, Oderzo, Aquileia, and Altino. The present urban structure of Venice took
shape in the early 7th century when migrants from the mainland swelled existing fishing
communities on the higher mud flats and sandbanks.1