Strangolagalli
History
The origin of the name (in Italian: "Chicken-Strangler") is uncertain. It could derive from Byzantine Greek στρογγύλος (strongúlos, "circular") and Lombardic wal ("palisade", akin to English wall), indicating a settlement fortified in that way. A 17th-century scholar derived it from the villa of one Roman patrician Astragalus Gallus.
Archaeological findings have indeed suggested that Strangolagalli had been a Roman settlement. The existence of the castle is attested in 1097, but it was probably of Lombard origin. Initially a dominion of the Girini (or Girindi) family, it was later under the seignories of Veroli and D'Aquino. The town and countryside are dominated with the Marini, Viselli, Valeri, Tomassi, Lisi, Sementilli, DeVellis and Casagrande family lines.
In the 14th century the area was contended by the Angevines and Aragonese, and in the following century it was acquired by the Papal States. Traditionally a seat of brigandage, it fought against the Napoleonic occupation.
In 1915 it was damaged by an earthquake. During World War II it was further damaged during the German retreat from the Gustav Line.
References
- ^ "Superficie di Comuni Province e Regioni italiane al 9 ottobre 2011". Italian National Institute of Statistics. Retrieved 16 March 2019.
- ^ All demographics and other statistics: Italian statistical institute Istat.