Grazzanise
Welcome to Grazzanise: a brief historical overview
Welcome to Grazzanise, an Italian municipality located in the province of Caserta in Campania, with a population of approximately 6,700 inhabitants. This town, situated in the once marshy and malaria-ridden Mazzone plain on the left bank of the Volturno river, is a place where agriculture and buffalo farming are activities that represent the majority of the local economy. Wine production, fruit, and especially the famous mozzarella cheese are some of the activities that stand out in this area.
But now, we'll give you a quick historical overview of this fascinating place. According to some local history scholars, Grazzanise may date back to the 3rd or 4th century B.C. during the period of the Roman Republic. It is said that the place was built under the auspices of the noble Graziani family in honor of the Graces. The name derives, according to some hypotheses, from the expression "Gratiarum nesos" which in Latin means "island of the Graces" or from the term "pagus Gratiis innixus" which could be translated as "country supported by the Graces."
But why was this town built? Some hypotheses say that the place was erected to provide shelter to the slaves who in the Capuan theaters had to demonstrate their strength and value in dangerous fights among themselves or against famished beasts. In addition, the place had to administer cosmetics and ointments distributed to the women of ancient Capua with the roses from its fields.
The origin of the town
There are many other hypotheses about the origin of Grazzanise. Some scholars believe that these towns within an eight-mile radius of Capua Vetere were founded in 211 B.C. by the Romans after Capua was destroyed for its support of Hannibal. Most of the Capuan citizens fled and settled in nearby villages.
Others report that these towns originated after Sulla's oligarchic terrorism (81 B.C.) followed Marius's democratic terrorism (87 B.C.), which founded new colonies not dependent on the state, but on their leader, for Grazzanise a Graziano. Finally, a historian thinks that Julius Caesar, after his return from Spain and his appointment as dictator by Rome and ancient Capua, deduced various colonies that, under the leadership of different dukedoms, went to found different towns.
According to some research, Grazzanise seems to derive from a Julia colony, and this theory has a lot of foundations given the presence of other cities of similar origin.
Grazzanise today
Today, Grazzanise is a place where agriculture and buffalo farming are the main activities that characterize the economy of the area. The municipality is in a strategic geographic position: near the Grazzanise military airport, which has an important historical value and plays a key role in protecting the Italian territory.
In addition, the city has a strategic position compared to other tourist areas of Campania, such as Naples, Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, the Reggia di Caserta, ancient Capua, Gaeta, and the famous bridge of Maddalena located near the Picentino Regional Park.
Despite its uncertain origin, Grazzanise is undoubtedly a place where gastronomic traditions, agriculture, buffalo farming, and the cultivation of other local products continue to maintain an important place in the local economy. While the historical scenario of this town is still full of mysteries, it is certain that here you will feel at home with its hospitable and friendly people.
