History
The ancient history of the town is largely unknown, but archeological excavations in Mella might point its origins to the mythical Mamerto (3rd century BC – 1st century AD). The first mention of the town (Oppidium in Latin, meaning citadel) is 1040, during the Byzantine Era.
The town is famous for its prolonged resistance before falling to Roger the Norman in 1056.
On February 5, 1783 an earthquake completely destroyed the town killing 1,198 people. The town was rebuilt near the neighbouring village Tresilico (incorporated in the municipality in 1927). Other earthquakes hit the town in 1894 and on December 28, 1908, which destroyed the neighbouring township Castellace.
Read more about this topic: Oppido Mamertina
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—Eric Hoffer (1902–1983)
“Regarding History as the slaughter-bench at which the happiness of peoples, the wisdom of States, and the virtue of individuals have been victimized—the question involuntarily arises—to what principle, to what final aim these enormous sacrifices have been offered.”
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—Elizabeth Janeway (b. 1913)