The origin of Lithuanians and establishment of the capital city Vilnius is weaved with legends, in which the affinity with remote Italy is stressed.

In XV century Polish historian Jan Dlugosh was convinced, that Lithuanians originated from Romans.

But how did they get to Lithuania, which is far away from Italy?

The historian guessed, that a group of noble Romans from the Italian family, who were the upholders of Pompey, left to Lithuania with all their wealth and servants escaping from the wrath of Caesar.

The annalist stipulated that the name of their new homeland “Lituania” is professedly an awry name “Italia”,
since a letter “l” used to be added at the beginning of the word.

Hereinafter the origin of the name “Vilnius” is explained.
The name of the leader of Roman emigrants was Vilius. The historian wrote: “Firstly they established Vilnius city,
which is currently the capital city of the state, and named it in the name of duke Vilius, who led the emigrants to Lithuania.

The same names were given to the rivers near Vilnius – Vilija and Vilnia”.