Capua

Capua (kä`pwä), town (1991 pop. 18,845), Campania, S Italy, on the Volturno River. It is an agricultural center and occupies the site of ancient Casilinum. Ancient Capua, situated 3 mi (4.8 km) to the southeast, where Santa Maria Capua Vetere (1991 pop. 31,396) now lies, was a Roman town strategically located on the Appian Way. During the second of the Punic Wars it went over (216 B.C.) to the side of Hannibal, but was retaken by Rome in 211 B.C. Later it was an important colony under the Roman Empire. After Capua was destroyed (A.D. 841) by the Arabs, its inhabitants moved to Casilinum and founded modern Capua. Strongly fortified to defend nearby Naples, Capua suffered several sieges, including ones by Cesare Borgia (1501) and the Piedmontes (1860). Of note are a Roman bridge, a 9th-century cathedral (frequently restored), an 11th-century castle, and a museum of archaeology and sculpture.

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Capua

a town in S Italy, in NW Campania: strategically important in ancient times, situated on the Appian Way. Pop.: 19 041 (2001)

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Capua 

an ancient city in Campania, 4 km southeast of modern Capua.

Capua was founded in the sixth century b.c. by the Etruscans.After the Latin War of 340–338 b.c., it received from Rome theright to govern itself. At this time it occupied an important placein Italy in terms of wealth and prominence. In the first centuryb.c., the schools of gladiators at Capua were famous; Spartacuswas a gladiator in one of them. In a.d. 456, the city was laidwaste by the Vandals. From the beginning of the seventh centuryit was the center of one of the Lombard principalities making upBenevento. In 842 it was destroyed by the Arabs. A new city wasbuilt in 856. The modern city of Santa Maria Capua Vetere islocated on the site of ancient Capua.