Allifae, human settlement in Italy
Allifae is a Roman city near Alife in Campania, Italy, located in the valley of the Vulturnus River at the foot of Monte Matese. The ruins show the remains of an ancient settlement with streets, public baths, a theater, and 4th century walls that outline the spatial structure and layout of the former town.
Allifae was initially settled by Samnites and came under Roman control in 326 BC, though it remained contested between Romans and Samnites for some time. After final conquest in 310 BC, it became a Roman colony with new public buildings constructed under Emperor Hadrian.
The name Allifae comes from the Samnites and Oscans who inhabited this area before Roman conquest. Today, visitors can see how the community lived through the remains of public baths and a theater, which show where people gathered and spent their leisure time together.
The site is relatively accessible and can be reached on foot or by car, with the best visiting time being during good weather conditions. Take your time exploring and note that a museum near the town of Alife houses many artifacts from the ancient site.
The museum, which opened in 2004, displays mosaics with black and white geometric patterns from the 1st century BC and AD, as well as a fresco painting from a house wall on the main street, excavated in the early 1990s. These rare artworks offer an unusual glimpse into the aesthetic standards and artistic skills of the residents.
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