The most important Germanic invasion of the Trentino in historical times began in 375 A.D. and lasted two centuries. This movement was repeated in the last half of the tenth century. Under the rule of the bishop-prince Frederick of Vanga, a considerable number of German settlers established themselves on his territory between the years 1207 and 1218. The actual Germanization of the highlanders of the southern Tyrol had its start in this period, the records of the time showing changes from Italian to German in the names of localities as lands and estates were acquired by Germans. But throughout medieval times and to the end of the eighteenth century, historical records make mention of the Florentine character of its industrial and commercial life. [Illustration: FIG. 26--View of the historic Brenner Puss. Through this mountain gap Teutonic invaders have poured into Italy since the dawn of history.] [Illustration: FIG. 27--The mountain settlement of Cortina in the Ampezzo district in the Trentino is inhabited mainly by Italians.] [Illustration: FIG. 28--The approach to Meran in the Austrian Tyrol and at the Italo-Germanic language border.] [Illustration: FIG. 29--Stelvio Pass at the eastern edge of the area of Romansh dialects, showing the mountainous character of the country in which this language has survived.] The southerly advance of the German language in the mountainous province has followed the valleys of the Etsch and Eisack, for the channels through which mountain waters flowed towards the Adriatic also facilitated the transportation of goods from the German highlands of central Europe to the Mediterranean. A steady current of freight has been maintained in a southerly course along this route since the beginning of continental commerce in Europe. In the Middle Ages numerous colonies of German traders had acquired solid footing along the much traveled road over the Brenner Pass which connected Augsburg and Venice.[55] [Illustration: FIG. 30--Sketch map of the Trentino showing languages spoken. Scale, 1:2,400,000.]