Prata d'Ansidonia
The Story of Prata d'Ansidonia
Hello everyone! Today I will tell you about the history of Prata d'Ansidonia, a small Italian municipality of 449 inhabitants located in the province of L'Aquila, in Abruzzo. Prata d'Ansidonia is a place full of charm and mystery, with a history dating back to ancient Rome.
Italic village of "Peltuinum"
Before becoming Prata d'Ansidonia, this territory was known as "Peltuinum", a primitive Italico-Vestino settlement already existing in the IV century BC. In the I century BC, after the "Social War" of the Italics against Rome, Peltuinum was conquered by the Roman Republic and transformed into a "municipium". The position of Peltuinum was strategic for commercial traffic along the Via Claudia Nova, located in the Navelli plain, in a position easily connected with the Tirino Valley.
The Roman imperial age
Peltuinum entered Roman dominance and was ascribed to the Quirina tribe and had vast jurisdiction, extending down to the Tirino Valley. It was among the few cities in Italy to have preserved even in the Roman Imperial period the condition of prefecture. In 1982, several archaeological artifacts attributable to the imperial period of the city were unearthed by the Soprintendenza, such as part of the wall enclosure with towers, the theater, and the temple of Apollo.
The Middle Ages
In the Middle Ages, the territory was looted for the construction of the castle of Civitas Sidonia (the ancient name that would become "Prata d'Ansidonia", or "City of Sidonio", lord of the fief to whom the territory of Peltuinum had been donated). The new Castel Camponeschi castle was founded in the VIII century, while the old Peltuinum was looted. Together with Civita Sidonia, the villages of San Nicandro, Castelnuovo (San Pio delle Camere) (today in the municipality of San Pio delle Camere) were born. The original center was divided between Castel Camponeschi and Villa Prata.
Together with the villages of San Demetrio ne' Vestini and Sinizzo-Stiffe, Prata was part of the "Sinitiensis" land; it depended together with San Nicandro on the diocese of Sulmona-Valva (that is Sulmona-Corfinio).
Conclusions
In conclusion, we can say that Prata d'Ansidonia is a town rich in history and charm, where the remains of the past blend with modern buildings. Visiting this place gives you the feeling of being transported back in time and witnessing the great history of this small municipality. If you happen to be in the area, I highly recommend visiting Prata d'Ansidonia and discovering in person all the beauties and curiosities of this wonderful place.
