Casinum

Casinum was an ancient town in central Italy, situated in southern Latium at the base of Monte Cassino, in the modern region of Lazio. Initially an Oscan settlement that later fell under the control of the Volsci and Samnites, Casinum's strategic importance derived from its position along the Via Latina, approximately 130 km southeast of Rome. The site's continuous habitation from the 7th century BCE through the 5th century CE underscores its longstanding role as a regional hub. After its integration into the Roman sphere in the late 4th century BCE, Casinum flourished, at various times holding the status of both a municipium and a colonia. Archaeological remains—including an amphitheatre, theatre, and villa complexes—attest to its civic and cultural significance. Later, the site gained renewed prominence as the location of the first Benedictine monastery, founded by St. Benedict in 529 CE. The modern town of Cassino lies near the ancient site, continuing its historical legacy.