Trebula, Archaeological site in Quadri, Italy

Trebula is an archaeological site on a hillside just outside Quadri, below the sports field, along the road to Pizzoferrato. It holds the podium of an Italic temple, a small amphitheatre whose arena has been partly unearthed, and the ruins of the Benedictine church of the Madonna dello Spineto, built over the temple. Polygonal opus walls and the paved sanctuary area with the altar zone are visible.

Trebula was a city of the Samnite Carricini before the Social War, then became a Roman municipium alongside nearby Cluviae and Iuvanum. Finds span the Augustan age to the early imperial period, including a small amphitheatre whose arena has been partly uncovered. Excavations in 1990-91, 1995 and 2006-2009 uncovered the sanctuary enclosure and temple area.

The name Trebula may come from the toponym trebe-traebe, perhaps referring to wooden beams, though others read it as "casale". A Hadrianic epigraph found on the site records a vicus of Trebula. The ruins of the Madonna dello Spineto, built by Benedictine monks between the 9th and 11th centuries over the Italic temple, are still the focus of a village festival in Quadri.

The site is near town and walkable on foot, though uneven ground requires careful footing. Wear sturdy shoes and bring weather protection depending on the season, since the excavations are largely exposed to the elements.

The site's name likely comes from the toponym trebe-traebe, suggesting buildings with wooden beams, though others read it as 'hamlet'. A Hadrianic inscription found here mentions a vicus of Trebula, and the Italic temple was probably dedicated to Iuppiter Trebulanus. Look for the altar area on the polygonal paving of the sanctuary.