Where is Capua in Ancient Rome?
Capua, also called Capuae or Capue, is a curious historical site situated in the northern Italian region of Campania, now known as the province of Caserta. According to tradition, Capua was founded by Ercole, the son of the Greek hero Hercules in 1207 BC.
In the 5th century BC, it served as a political, religious and military centre of the Samnite Confederation, helping to defeat the Roman armies in several wars. By the time of the Social War between 90 – 88 BC, Capua had become a Roman colony and an important commercial centre, with a flourishing port and an aqueduct system. Its politico-economic and cultural significance created an opulent lifestyle, and it was known as an agricultural, political and religious stronghold.
Capua is mentioned in various source materials, and plays an important role in the history of Ancient Rome. In the 1st century BC, it was famously besieged by the Roman army led by General Sulla, and the siege was eventually lifted due to the generosity of Capua’s citizens.
In the 2nd century AD, it became part of the Roman imperial province of Italy, and it was subsequently annexed by the Roman Empire in AD 42. After the fall of the empire, it was conquered by Visigoths and Lombards before finally becoming part of the Kingdom of Naples in the 13th century.
Today, Capua is an important centre for archaeology, with its subsoil containing a rich abundance of archaeological findings from the ancient Roman era, which have been excavated from the site. This includes a majestic amphitheater – the largest in the world outside Rome – with many of its remains still visible after nearly 2000 years.
The amphitheater, along with other ruins of the city, demonstrates the importance of Capua during the Roman Empire. It was also a place of leisure and entertainment, hosting many of the spectacles, gladiatorial games, and theatrical events that were so beloved by the ancient Romans.
In addition to the archaeological sites, the modern city of Capua shares many similarities with its ancient Roman counterpart. Like the ancient city, it is located at the convergence of two rivers – the Volturno and Calore. Furthermore, many of its streets, such as Via Garibaldi and Via Pontano, are named after figures from ancient Roman history.
Amphitheatre and Ruins
The amphitheatre of Capua is one of the best examples of the Roman architecture, built in the 2nd century AD and measuring more than 135 meters in length and 115 meters in width. It was used for various types of entertainment, such as gladiatorial games, theatrical performances and circus games. Its dramatic dimensions reveal the maximum capacity of the amphitheatre to contain more than 40,000 people.
The ruins from the amphitheatre have been used as a quarry area for several millennia and are now part of the archaeological park. A visit to the amphitheatre will give visitors an insight into the skills of the engineers and craftsmen of the Roman era.
Moreover, it is a perfect example of the influence of the Roman Empire on the architecture of later periods, with the resemblance between the amphitheatre of Capua and the Colosseum of Rome being especially striking.
Museo Archeologico
Capua is also home to the Museo Archeologico, built in 1883 on the ruins of an old monastery. Its mission is to showcase and preserve the archaeological remains of the area, featuring various artifacts, sculptures and inscriptions from the Roman Empire. The Museo Archeologico offers visitors a unique way to discover the Roman culture and its legacy to the modern world. It is also a great opportunity to learn more about the city’s rich history and legacy.
A visit to the Museo Archeologico is an ideal way to understand the importance of Capua in the history of the Roman Empire. Most of the artifacts date back to the 1st century BC, including coins, vases and marble statues, among others. There is also a collection of manuscripts from the archeological excavations in the 1960s. The museum also contains some of the frescoes, which are typical of the fresco technique of Roman wall art.
Furthermore, the museum offers multimedia exhibits and interactive displays, allowing the visitors to experience the richness and the history of Capua in an interactive and enjoyable way.
Importance in Modern Times
Since its establishment, Capua has remained an important part of the Italian history and culture, with its significance in the Roman Empire being especially noteworthy. Today, the city of Capua is a tourist destination and its heritage is safeguarded and celebrated, including the archaeological remains and cultural artifacts.
Visiting Capua is an ideal way to travel through time and gain an insight into the legacy of the Roman Empire. The ruins of the amphitheatre and the Museo Archeologico are essential destinatons for anyone interested in learning about the culture and the rich history of Capua.
Capua’s Culinary Scene
Capua is also renowned for its culinary heritage. Its regional cuisine has been deeply influenced by the city’s Roman past, with dishes such as pizza, pasta and fish cappuccio being among the most popular. The delicacies of Capua can be found in local restaurants and a variety of street food vendors which offer unique experiences to visitors.
Capua is also home to the world-famous Larder of Capua, a traditional larder which has been enshrined by the Italian government as a national landmark. The larder was established in the 16th century and is renowned for its cured meats, artisan cheeses and other products, which can be found in the local markets and stores.
Additionally, Capua also hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Mirth of Capua, a food celebration with many traditional dishes from the city, and the Festival of the Black Pig, a celebration of the pig-rearing tradition of the region.
Conclusion
Capua is an ancient but vibrant city which deserves to be explored. Its significance to the Roman Empire, its archaeological sites and its culinary heritage give it a unique character, which is worth exploring. No matter what visitors are looking for – history, culture, food, entertainment – they can certainly find it in Capua.
