Brenner Pass, on the border between Austria and Italy, has suddenly sprung into the public view as a result of the dramatic events in Austria which have resulted in German troops advancing to the pass. The German commander has expressed friendly greetings with the Italian commander at the other end of the pass, and political relationships between Italy and Germany do not seem to have been impaired judging by the cordial message of thanks sent to Signor Mussolini by Herr Hitler. Historically, however, the position of this pass is worthy of attention owing to the strategic position it possesses in regard to Italy, It is the lowest in the Alps, being 4,495 feet, and it has been one of the most frequented although the name rarely occurred during the middle ages. The route was always described as being through the "valley of the Trent." It is the gateway to Italy through which most Teutonic tribes who invaded the country passed, and as there are many side passes leading into it Brenner Pass is a great thoroughfare. From Innsbruck to the summit the distance is about 25 miles and while a carriage road was built over it as far back as 1172, a railway was constructed in the three years starting. in 1864, making the distance from Innsbruck to Verona a distance of 174 miles. The connection of this pass with the fate of Italy is revealed by the fact that between the years 793 and 1402 it was crossed 66 times by various emperors. But even prior to that it was of importance for it was part of the great Roman road system connecting Verona which itself originally was a town belonging to a Gaulish tribe subdued by the Romans.
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