Arsita
Arsita: the history of the Abruzzo municipality
Arsita is a small Italian municipality located in the province of Teramo, Abruzzo. With a population of only 735 inhabitants, Arsita is situated below Mount Camicia on the eastern side of the Gran Sasso d'Italia massif, in the high Fino valley. But what is the history of this small municipality, and how did it get its current name?
Origins of the name Arsita
The old name of Arsita was Bacucco, a term which according to Luigi Sorricchio derived from the name of Bacchus. In 1905, however, the name was changed to Arsita following a report by the Provincial Council of Teramo. However, the name Arsita had already been used in some previous documents, such as in 1787 in the description of the area drawn up by order of the King.
The history of Arsita
In the 11th century, Arsita and Bacucco were two distinct castles that appeared on the bronze doors of the Montecassino Abbey, while in 1085 both castles were definitively ceded by the Montecassino Abbey to the Monastery. In the 12th century, the possession of Arsita belonged to the Acquaviva family, while in the 17th century it was one of the Medicean Farnese States of the Kingdom of Naples.
In 1481, Ferrante d'Aragona donated Bacucco to the University of Penne, while in the 18th century the municipality of Bacucco was independent for centuries but was joined to the Penne district in 1806.
The 19th-century brigandage in Arsita
In the 19th century, Arsita was the scene of one of the largest uprisings against the French invasion by the band of brigands. In March 1807, the brigand Donato di Agostino di Bacucco was sentenced to death and hanged. The insurgents continued to loot the area, taking young people from Arsita and other nearby cities to join their forces.
In July 1807, the brigand leader Antonio Priore killed Vieti, the archpriest of Bacucco. These events have deeply marked the history of Arsita and the surrounding areas.
Conclusions
In summary, Arsita is a small Abruzzo municipality with a rich and fascinating history. From its old name of Bacucco to the 19th-century brigandage, Arsita has seen the succession of events and occurrences that have contributed to shaping its history and culture. Today, Arsita is a peaceful and tranquil city, but its rich history and cultural heritage continue to fascinate residents and visitors.
