MINCIO (the ancient Mincius), a river of Northern Italy, which issues from the S. extremity of the Lago di Garda, and flowing southward, passes Mantua, and falls into the Po 12 miles below that town, after a course of about 40 miles. In the neighbourhood of Mantua the waters stagnate so as to form shallow lakes of considerable extent. The Mincius is celebrated by Virgil, who dwelt on its banks.