History

The ancient name of Amelia was America and the origins are very ancient. According to Plinius the town was built before the settlement of Rome (around 1134 b.C.). The strong walls were built in VI – V century b.C.

During Roman Age, Amelia was a very important town and had a prosperous economy. After the fall of Roman empire, Amelia is conquered by Goths and Byzantines. It became an independent municipality in XI century and organizes its own government. In 1055 participated to the war among the towns of Umbria: Gubbio, Perugia, and Orvieto fought against Todi, Foligno, and Amelia. The town was sacked in 1240 by Frederick II. Even if in that period Amelia was part of the Pontifical State, it kept a certain independence and autonomy. During Italian Risorgimento, many patriots from Amelia donated their lives for the independence of Italy.