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History
The 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 centre of Juvanum in
Montenerodomo (Ch),with tempie 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. |
Main
The
historic pre - Roman age
The
Roman age
The
Middle ages
The
Renaissance and the Baroque period
The
Modern age
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