History of Atina

The ancient village of Atina stands in a commanding position at the foot of the Meta mountain range, in the heart of the Mainarde, in the upper Melfa Valley — the Comino Valley.

Origins and Legend

There are various theories regarding the origin of the name. Some believe it was founded by Saturn (Saturnus in Latin, Cronos in Greek), who named it after his grandson Anitino. Others claim it derives from Ate, the goddess of mischief; still others from Atinia, a type of elm; but most associate it with Athena, or Pallas, the city’s protector, whose Greek name is Ἀθηνᾶ — pronounced “Atina.” An ancient legend tells that, after being banished by Jupiter, Saturn sought refuge with Janus, who ruled over the Citi Peninsula (Italy), and together they governed for a long time. Saturn supposedly founded five cities beginning with the letter "A": Atina, Arpino, Antinum (now Ferentino), Alatri, and Anagni.

An ancient legend tells that, after being banished by Jupiter, Saturn sought refuge with Janus, who ruled over the Citi Peninsula (Italy), and together they governed for a long time.

Saturn supposedly founded five cities beginning with the letter "A": Atina, Arpino, Antinum (now Ferentino), Alatri, and Anagni.

Ancient history

Virgil, in the Aeneid, refers to Atina as “powerful” (Aen. VII, 630).

Martial, in his Epigrams, calls it ancient (Book X, 92.2).

Cicero, in his speech Pro Plancio, describes it as a wealthy prefecture (ch. VIII).

Atina is also mentioned by historians such as Livy, Diodorus Siculus, Pliny the Elder, Silius Italicus, Claudius Ptolemy, Valerius Maximus, and Frontinus, who all classify it as a Roman colony.

Some sources even suggest that it was a fortified stronghold of the fierce Volsci people, who would retreat with their livestock behind its walls in times of danger.

Research by Dr. G. R. Bellini of the Archaeological Superintendency for Lazio has highlighted the city's strategic importance from the 4th century BC, during the arrival of the Samnites.

The Samnites quickly erected a massive double barrier of polygonal walls to defend the access routes into Samnium from Cassino on the coast, and from Sora in the Middle Liri Valley.

Along these routes, several sanctuaries still exist today, such as the one at “Pescarola,” where water worship was practiced in honor of woodland deities.

In 293 BC, the Atina countryside was ravaged (Livy X, 39.5) by Roman legions as they destroyed enemy outposts in Aquilonia and Cominium during the Third Samnite War.

The Roman Era

With the Roman occupation came changes to Atina's customs and traditions. A gradual urban transformation took place, establishing a street grid centered around the Forum, and two main axes, the cardo and decumanus.

The people of Atina resisted these changes, frequently rebelling against Roman rule. Although it became a Roman colony and was enrolled in the Teretina tribe, its inhabitants were granted no rights. In the early 1st century BC, Atina was a battleground during the conflicts between the Italics, Marsi, Samnites, and the Romans. Due to its defiant stance, Atina only gained municipium status after Caesar’s death.

Following these changes, Atina became a summer retreat for wealthy Roman families, such as the gens Planco, Pomponio, Saturnina, and Rufo, who built luxurious villas in the Hellenistic style.

Throughout the area, countryside estates began to flourish. Notable public works included the Forum, thermal baths, the Imperial Baths, the Amphitheatre, and an Aqueduct that brought water from the Chiusi springs through an underground conduit.

The Conquest by Zottone

For a long period, little is known about Atina until the second half of the 6th century AD, when it is mentioned during the conquest of Zotto, the Lombard Duke of Benevento (571–591).

By the end of the 6th century, Aquinum and nearby Atina marked the northernmost Lombard territory near the Duchy of Rome. Zotto, the first Duke of Benevento, likely devastated both cities. The people of Aquino were reportedly slaughtered by the Lombards and later decimated by plague. After the death of Bishop Giovino, it was even impossible to elect a successor.

“We do not know the deeds of Duke Zotto of Benevento during this time; we only know that he took and destroyed the city of Atina and killed Saint Bishop Felice there.”

Annali critico-diplomatici del Regno di Napoli, Volume 1 (1795) – pag. 130

According to the Chronicon Atinense, Atina was conquered and destroyed by an unnamed Duke of Benevento. Bishop Felice was martyred during this invasion. The exact date of the destruction of the Montecassino monastery, and whether it occurred in the same period, remains uncertain.

The Middle Ages

In medieval times, Atina’s history intertwined with the Duchy of Benevento, the County of Capua, the Counts of Marsi, and the d’Aquino family. 

From the 6th century onward, the city was divided into three or four distinct settlements. Between the hilltop district (Colle) and the classical center — separated by a wide unbuilt area — the magnificent Collegiate Church of Santa Maria was erected in 1044. It served as the main church for seven centuries. A third settlement arose on the hill of Santo Stefano, built over a former Roman site controlling the plain below. A fourth district, Cancello, is often mentioned by local historian M.A. Palombo.

The Renaissance

Under the rule of the Cantelmo family, Atina was completely destroyed by a devastating earthquake on September 9, 1349. The Duke Rostaino Cantelmo began rebuilding his palace atop the ruins of an earlier fortress, and new, sturdier walls were erected.

As the town was expanded and beautified, it passed through the hands of several noble families: the Carafa, the Borgia, the Navarro, and the Cardona, until it was bought in 1594 by the Gallio family — the last feudal lords of the Comino Valley.

This ushered in a long period of political stability, marked by gradual urban growth and the construction of many noble palaces and churches. Notable buildings included the Archbishop’s Palace of San Marco (1598–1600), the Capuchin Convent, the five-pillar bridge over the Melfa River (1690), and the rebuilt Church of San Giovanni Battista (1746), which was later also dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

The Modern Era

In the first half of the 19th century, the Visocchi paper mill was established on the banks of the Melfa. In 1927, Atina became part of the newly formed Province of Frosinone; previously, it belonged to the Province of Caserta in the Terra di Lavoro region.

After healing the deep scars of World War II, Atina gradually expanded into the valley floor, particularly around the new district of Ponte Melfa. Ponte Melfa.