(Rieti), an ancient city of the Sabines, was situated on the Velinus (Velino), about 48 miles from Rome. Its political importance was small. Although admitted to the Roman franchise along with the neighbouring towns in 290 B.C., it did not enjoy in the time of Cicero any higher privileges than those of a praefectura. The chief importance of Reate was derived from its connection with the Velinus. That river moved in a broad and placid stream through the level district on the N.W. side of the city. Its waters rested at intervals in a series of picturesque lakes, which they had formed for themselves along their course. Its ample flood plentifully moistened the soil, and created in the neighbouring meadows the fresh and blooming luxuriance of a garden. So charming, indeed, was the entire scene, that the valley was called by Cicero the Reatine Tempe, and the meads were commonly known by the name of the Rosei Campi. But this same river was also the cause of public calamity and strife. Its waters held in solution a large quantity of carbonate of lime, which settled down upon the bed in the shape of travertin. When this deposit was allowed to accumulate it checked the current, and the district of Reate was inundated. When it was cleared away the stream became too rapid, and, rushing over a precipice (the Falls of Terni) into the Nar, swelled that river until the fields of the neighbouring town of Interamna (Terni) were overflowed. Thus a dispute arose between the inhabitants of the two cities, which continued at intervals for many centuries. Cicero, as the patron of Reate, was one of the first who took part in it; and it did not end until in 1785 the evil was rectified by making the Velino join the Nar at an oblique angle.