Ticino is a Latin land: the Romans brought the vine to Ticino, and left important constructions (towns, bridges, and Alpine passes) behind them. The names of a number of towns such as Sonvico and Vico-Morcote are proof of this. After the Romans, many peoples tried to conquer Ticino because of its strategic location, and a number of battles were fought, until it became a Swiss canton in 1803. The culture and traditions of Ticino are the result of a combination of influences which make this canton unique.