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History of Abruzzo
The historic Roman age
Right from the era of the first Kings, the "peoples" of Abruzzo did not
enjoy a pacific relationship with Rome. Tarquinius Priscus clashed with the
Aequi and the expansionist intentions of his successors were tenaciously
curbed by the federal alliances drawn up by the Italic peoples. In all
attempt to set up a unitary' state along the Adriatic coast, the Samnites
were particularly indomitable adversaries of the Romans, the former
inflicting heavy defeats on the latter, including the humiliation of the "Caudine
Forks".
After alternating outcomes, the Italics were finally subdued at the
end of the social war (91-88 B.D.), but not without first being promised
Roman citizenship. With pacification and the division of Italy into regions,
at the wishes of Augustus, Abruzzo and Molise became the Iv region of Rome
and given the name "Sabina et Samnium".
The Roman presence soon made itself felt. Road networks were improved and
new settlements built, whilst existing towns were provided with spas,
amphitheatres, theatres, temples and other important public works.
The partial draining of the lake Fucino took on a great importance with the
construction of an artificial outlet which, initiated in 41 A.D. by the
Emperor Claudius, was inaugurated in 52 A.D. and functioned until the 6th
century. The remains of the drainage works can be seen today in the
archaeological area of Incile near Avezzano.
Among the numerous testimonies to the Roman era one must not forget the
theatre and amphitheatre in Arniternuni near L'Aquila; the remains of the
town of Alba Fucens (where digging work has not yet been completed), near
Avezzano; the center of Juvanum in Montenerodomo (Ch),with temple buildings,
theatre and forum; the Sanctuary of Ercole Curino in Sulmona; Peltuinum at
Prata d'Ansidonia (Aq) and Corfinium, the present-day Corfinio (Aq), built
on the via Valeria and capital of the Italic League, with the name of Italy,
at the time of the social war. Further important remains of the Roman era
have also been found at Teramo, Atri and Chieti.
Courtesy of
Regione Abruzzo Tourist Office
(c) 1997-2008 E. Massetti
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