Capua

Capua is a city and a local government area in the province of Caserta, in the region of Campania, southern Italy. It is situated on the northeastern edge of the Campanian plain. The city has a rich history and has been an important place for many years. People have lived in Capua since ancient times, and it has played a role in many big events throughout history. Today, it remains a interesting place to learn about Italy's past.

History

Ancient era

Capua's name comes from the Etruscan word Capeva, meaning 'City of Marshes'. The Etruscans are believed to have founded the city around 600 BC. Later, the Villanovian civilization and the Oscans also lived in the area.

Etruscan power ended when the Samnites invaded in the 5th century BC. In 424 BC, the Samnites captured Capua, but in 343 BC, Capua asked Rome for help. They became allies, and Capua's citizens gained partial Roman citizenship.

During the Second Samnite War, Capua was not always a trustworthy ally of Rome. Later, it became an important city, growing rich from farming and making goods like bronze objects. Capua was known for its luxury and was a place where gladiators trained.

Middle Ages

Capua faced tough times during wars and invasions. In 840, the old city was burned, and a new Capua was built nearby. Over time, Capua became a powerful principality, often fighting with nearby cities.

Modern Age

In more recent history, Capua was involved in battles during the French Revolutionary Wars and later during Garibaldi's Expedition of the Thousand. After these conflicts, the people of Capua voted to join the new Kingdom of Italy.

Main sights

Capua has many interesting places to visit. The Cathedral of Santo Stefano was first built in 856. It has a tall tower called a campanile and a beautiful inside with three rows of space. The church and its entrance area use very old granite columns. Inside, you can see special artworks like an elegant candle stand and pieces of a marble stand from the 1200s. The Church of San Marcello, also from 856, is one of the oldest small churches in the city.

The Castle of Frederick II was built between 1232 and 1240 by Emperor Frederick II to guard a Roman bridge. Though the castle was torn down in 1557, some of its statues are kept in the Museo Campano. This museum opened to the public in 1874 and is an important place for learning about the history and culture of the area.

Archaeological sites

Remains

No remains from before the Roman era have been found inside the town of Capua, but important burial grounds have been found all around it, dating back to the 7th or 6th century BC.

The tombs come in different shapes, some with painted walls and others made from stone blocks. Inside, they contain items like bronze and clay vases, some with beautiful designs, and paintings. To the east of the town, a temple was found with special inscriptions, including a famous stone tablet kept in Berlin.

The town was built on flat land without natural defenses, so it was laid out in a neat grid. The main road, called the Via Appia, runs through it. Parts of old public baths and a theater can still be seen.

Amphitheatre

Main article: Amphitheatre of Capua

Outside the town, in Santa Maria Capua Vetere, stands a large amphitheatre built during the time of Augustus. It was later restored and has parts still standing today. Inside, there are underground passages similar to those in the famous amphitheatre in Puteoli.

Nearby, there are remains of old baths and two well-preserved tombs from the Roman period. An ancient road leads to a place called Pagus Dianae, where there was an important temple. The area also has old paintings and buildings from different times.