History
Due to its strategic position, since 500 BC, Fragneto Monforte was a very important center for Sanniti, Romans, Goths, Byantians, Muslims, and Lombards. The name Fragneto comes from "Fara" (family) of "Gnito", a Lombard warrior who founded the "castrum", (the fortified village) around the 11th century AD.
In the 10th century BC, units of Bizantini escaped from Benevento and settled in Fragneto, introduced the cult of Saint Nicolao from Myra, still today practised. In 1010 appears the common noun Monteforte that will be turned in Monforte during the 17th century.
In the Norman period (1150–1168) Fragneto Monforte is often named among the feudal overloads, in fact in the first half of the 12th century it belonged to Bartolomeo from Monteforte.
This family, during the period of Angiò, succeeded in enlarging their properties and above all in conserving them for more than three centuries.
In the 14th and 15th centuries Fragneto Monforte lives tragic events: first the terrible earthquake of 1349, then the occupation of the Aragonesi, the reconquest of the Angioini and finally the other earthquake on Saint Barbara's night in 1456, that destroyed the country.
With the arrival of Carl VIII, king of France, to monforte, for the first time is hoisted the French flag.
After the French defeat the dominion and the power of Monforte ceased; his possession was given to Federico d'Aragona e Andrea di Capua. During the following 90 years the earldom of Fragneto will be sold other five times. In 1584 it will belong to the family Montalto that in 1612 will receive the title of Duke of Fragneto. To the heirs of Montalto family belongs today the Palazzo Ducale.
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