Ariccia is a commune in the province of Rome, in the Province of Rome of the Lazio (Latium) region, on the Alban Hills. It is part of the suburb of Rome and is situated in the regional park known as the "Parco Regionale dei Castelli Romani".
Ariccia is famous for its porchetta, a local roasted pig recipe, and for its excellent wine. The commune of Ariccia extends to the towns of Vallericcia and Cecchina. It is bounded by the communes of Albano Laziale, Castel Gandolfo, Genzano di Roma and Marino Laziale.
According to a vague notice by Caius Julius Solinus, Ariccia was founded by one Archilocus Siculus in very ancient times. Ruins found in the city confirm the existence of a settlement in the 8th-9th centuries BC. Later the city was a member of the Latin League and in its territory, including the Lake of Nemi, was sited the federal sanctuary of Diana Aricina (or Diana Nemorensis).
Under its walls the Battle of Aricia was fought (506 BC), in which the Aricini, allied with the Cumani of Aristhodemus, defeated the Etruscans led by Arunte son of Porsenna.
Aricia was definitively conquered by the Romans in the 4th century BC: it received the title of municipium, and expanded towards the valley below in which the Via Appia ran. Ariccia became therefore the first main postal station in the way from Rome towards Southern Italy. Being rather near to the Imperial capital, and favoured by a fresher climate, Ariccia was chosen by many of the Rome's patricii as seat of their leasure villas.
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