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The contribution focuses on the collection of antique gold coins of the Zane family, probably formed by Domenico Zane, who is mentioned by Charles Patin in his Introductio ad historiam numismatum. The origin of the collection is not known, but some clues seem to imply that a large part came from finds, specifically from the territory of Altinum, where the Zane family had many landholdings. The fate of these coins is less mysterious; in fact, the Zane collection was sold in England in 1760 and it is now part of the numismatic collections of the British Museum.

The paper examines an inscribed lead foil from Altinum, of which a new reading is offered. Moreover, the ritual process concerning the votive contract is taken into account, with special reference to its oral and written performance. Finally, some considerations are made on the recent reassessment of the concept of defixio.

Processing and interpretation of July 2007 digital visible and near-infrared aerial photographs, coupled by a digital terrain model, has allowed for detailed reconstruction of the topography and the paleoenvironmental setting of the Roman city of Altinum, shedding new light on the far origins of Venice. Images were taken during severe dry conditions, which stressed the maize and soy crops. The city walls and doors, the street network, dwellings, theaters, amphitheater, forum, emporia, basilica, and a complex network of rivers and canals have been mapped.