The ancient history of Isola del Gran Sasso:
from its prehistoric origins to medieval battles
The history of Isola del Gran Sasso has its roots in ancient times, with prehistoric human settlements bearing witness to the long evolution of the area. During the Roman era, Isola became a crucial hub in strategic communication networks, before the Middle Ages, when the area became an important trade centre under the influence of the Longobards and local feudal lords.
Between the 14th and 15th centuries, feudal families such as the Pagliara, Orsini and Mendoza fought for local supremacy. In 1419, the Statuti dell’Università dell’Isola (Statutes of the University of Isola) were drawn up, the oldest document written in the vernacular in the province of Teramo. The feudal estate then passed into the hands of Antonello de Petruziis, who, after a tragic conspiracy against the king, was arrested and executed in 1485.
In 1495, the feudal estate returned to the Orsini family, but was subsequently annexed to the Contado dell’Aquila. Only in 1526, after turbulent political events, was the Valle Siciliana assigned to the Mendoza family, under Ferdinando d’Alarcon’s firm control.
