The first certain historical notice of Adria is the establishment of a Roman colony there about 282 BCE. In the early part of the Second Punic War (217 BCE) its territory was ravaged by Hannibal; but notwithstanding this calamity, it was one of the 18 Latin colonies which, in 209 BCE, were faithful to the cause of Rome, and willing to continue their contributions both of men and money.
The first documented evidence of Adria's existence is its establishment as a Roman colony around 282 BCE. During the early stages of the Second Punic War (217 BCE), it was ravaged by Hannibal, but despite this setback, it remained one of the 18 Latin colonies that pledged their loyalty to Rome and continued to provide both men and money in 209 BCE.