Torcello was founded in about 700 AD after the Lombards invaded mainland Italy. The Romans had been involved in fishing and glass-making here earlier. The area was called 'Venetia' by the Romans before the city/islands/empire of Venice took that name. The bishop of Altino transferred his seat to Torcello. Later the island of Torcello became a center for wool making. Torcello's decline began about the time that nearby Venice began its ascent on the 10th Century. Eventually malaria infested the marshes which can be seen in the distance and Torcello was abandoned for nearby Murano and Venice. Today about 75 people live on the island.