Though a legend attributes the foundation of Amelia to the mythological king Ameroe in the 12th century B. C. (therefor the name of Ameria) it seems to be more probable that the first inhabitants of a settlement on the hill and the first citycore dates between the 11th and 10th centrury B. C.
It is certain that during the construction of the polygonal city wall (7th-6th century b.C.) the small city showed already a uniform and functional sitestructur, because the actual city center developed from the original acropolis at the top of the hill.
During the Roman imperial periode Amelia became a prospering market place. The city's position was in an ideal strategic location and had built an important riverport near Orte with a tight connection to Rome.
It is certain that during the construction of the polygonal city wall (7th-6th century b.C.) the small city showed already a uniform and functional sitestructur, because the actual city center developed from the original acropolis at the top of the hill.
During the Roman imperial periode Amelia became a prospering market place. The city's position was in an ideal strategic location and had built an important riverport near Orte with a tight connection to Rome.
There are numerous testimonies of the Roman settlement in Amelia, but the most important finding is certanly the bronze statue of Germanicus a roman commander, son of Drusus Major.
The figure was found due to an excavation near to the city wall an represents a true masterpiece of imperial Roman bronze work, since there doesn't exist any other example of the same size with 2,14 m hight and unique traits.
After the decline of west Roman Empire (476 a.C.) Amelia fell under the rule of Odoaker and later Dietrich.
During the times of Barbarian Invasion Amelia has been occupied and looted several times, Totila's Goths plundered Amelia in 54, later the Langobards occupied the town and later again the city passed from the Byzantine Empire to the Church (during the periode of Charles le magne) and became an important traffic junction of the Byzantine corridor connecting Rome with the Exarchat.
It is not sure at what time Amelia became a Comune. Reliable sources attest that around the year 1000 Amelia had a well-developed social structure.
During the following centuries Amelia was involved in battles between Guelfs and Ghibellines, but also in forays of mercenaries.
In the 14th century the city was exposed to different political occurrences, in 1871 Amelia joined the kingdom of Italy.
The figure was found due to an excavation near to the city wall an represents a true masterpiece of imperial Roman bronze work, since there doesn't exist any other example of the same size with 2,14 m hight and unique traits.
After the decline of west Roman Empire (476 a.C.) Amelia fell under the rule of Odoaker and later Dietrich.
During the times of Barbarian Invasion Amelia has been occupied and looted several times, Totila's Goths plundered Amelia in 54, later the Langobards occupied the town and later again the city passed from the Byzantine Empire to the Church (during the periode of Charles le magne) and became an important traffic junction of the Byzantine corridor connecting Rome with the Exarchat.
It is not sure at what time Amelia became a Comune. Reliable sources attest that around the year 1000 Amelia had a well-developed social structure.
During the following centuries Amelia was involved in battles between Guelfs and Ghibellines, but also in forays of mercenaries.
In the 14th century the city was exposed to different political occurrences, in 1871 Amelia joined the kingdom of Italy.
Holiday from the stress of every day life. Calm, nature and relaxation.
Umbria - the green heart of Italy.
Umbria - the green heart of Italy.
