an ancient and strong city of Italy, in that part of the duchy of Milan which belongs to Sardinia. Some pretend that this city was built by the Trojans, and so called quasi Nova Ara, because they had erected there a temple to Venus. Tacitus mentions its being made a municipal city by the Romans, and there are many inscriptions still extant, which sufficiently prove its ancient splendour. It is now a small, but well-built town, situated on a little eminence, in a fine country, betwixt two rivers, very well fortified, and is the see of a bishop, suffragan of Milan. It is remarkable for the several sieges sustained in past times, and for being the birthplace of Peter Lombard, master of the sentences. E. Long. 8° 35'. N. Lat. 45° 25'.