Poggio Sannita

The history of the area's pre-Roman originates with the Caraceni shepherds, a subpopulation of the Samnites. It seems that they did head a confederation of Samnite tribes, and are referred to in a shrine located in "Bovianus Vetus" or "Caracenum" at Pietrabbondante.[3] The Oscan language found on archeological remains in the countryside confirms the Samnites being present in Poggio Sannita. In Roman times, it was the seat of military camps and agricultural villas, as evidenced by the discovery of a sword allegedly dating back to Roman-Samnite wars of the 2nd century B.C. The origin of the town name Caccavone came about during the high Middle Ages in the time of Saracen’s invasion between 860 and 900 AD. Several raids by the Saracens brought ruin and devastation to Isernia, Venafro and Bojano. In this era, the inhabitants of the frazioni Casale formed a castle called "Borgo Castello”. In 953, the town was still small and became principles under Beneventan feudal Lords Pandulf II of Benevento and Landulf III of Benevento whose lineage was Lombard. Next to the castle which was the highest hill of the village and residence of feudal lords, a church was built and subsequently developed the district Rinsacca and then the ward door (door of the Castle). The town acquired the appearance of a fortified village, as it was surrounded by thick walls and mighty rock walls, with two entrances to the village: Porto Maddalena site that Poggesi named “mbuorzie", and Castle Gate which is the current arc of the Church of Santa Vittoria. The village grew larger along the circular road surrounding the town itself and formed a series of houses called the Conicella neighborhood, which surrounds the village's oldest castle and the Church. The area remained limited in this area until the 17th century.[6]

The nobles of Caccavone established a Benedictine monastery on the hill of San Cataldo, with several secondary abbeys in the hills nearby, which is evidenced by some of the graves and tombs. In 740 AD, the Beneventan principle lords Pandulf and Landulf granted the Caccavone fiefdom to Prince Radoisio, son of Count Berardo.[6]

Around the year 1070, the barons of the Kingdom of Naples including Raul De Petra Ugone's son Act, the feudal lord of Caccavone, who had been among those who had followed William the Conqueror to attend a crusade to the Holy Land.[6]

In 1269, in the age of Anjou, Paolo de Giga, soldier, was made Baron of Caccavone by direct investment by Charles I of Anjou. Stefano di Agnone was his successor who would then combines the two castles of Caccavone and Agnone. In 1291, the latter was succeeded by Roland Gisulfo who still maintained the unity of the two castles. The last feudal lord of Caccavone Petra was Charles II who succeeded his father Vincenzo in 1806, the same year in which the King of Naples Joachim Murat, abolished the feudal rights, while retaining the titles.[6]

The existence of the “University (town hall or common) of Caccavone” was created in 1704, the same year as a territorial dispute with Agnone. Caccavone resisted legal action against the domination of the Universities of Civitanova and Schiavi di Abruzzo which had areas inhabited by Caccavonesi. In 1819, the village of Castelverrino then broke away from the area becoming autonomous (the present town of Castelverrino). A notable day for the area, “Holy Thursday” April 17, 1862 when 42 soldiers and Mayor Pasquale Antinucci fought against a large group of "Chiavone" bandits led by Louis Alonso said in a clash that killed 10 militiamen and the mayor in Salcito. In 1912 and 1913 the municipality approved the resolutions for the return of the district Scalzavacca by the town of Civitanova Carapellese and Schiavi di Abruzzo. In 1914 the Provincial Council of Molise judged the disputed Caccavone Carapellese property of the district, but World War I and other Italian events protracted any attempt to resolve the measure.

March 25, Our Lady of Grace, Holy Mass, procession and fireworks. 1st Sunday of June, Saint Lucia, Mass, procession, fireworks and festivity to the streets. July 2, Feast of Our Lady of Grace, Holy Mass, procession, fireworks and street festival. August 16, San Rocco, much revered by Poggesi, Mass and popular games. August 17, San Cataldo, Mass, procession, fireworks, display of local products and great party in the district of the same name. August 21, San Prospero, patron Holy Mass, procession, fireworks. August 22, San Rocco, Mass, procession, fireworks and street festival. September 13, Dedication of the Mother Church. Last Saturday in September, San Domenico, much revered by Poggesi, Mass, procession, fireworks and. Last Sunday in September, Madonna delle Grazie, Mass, procession, fireworks and street festival. December 23, Santa Vittoria, much venerated by Poggesi, mass.

On the third floor of the Palazzo Ducale is a permanent photographic exhibition on the theme: "Poggio Sannita: the places and people" with many period and recent photographs.

Poggese sports focuses mainly on soccer and tennis. Every summer the big sporting event is the neighborhood soccer tournament; pits four teams representing precisely the opposite quarters of the town namely: Santa Vittoria or "Conicella”, Santa Maria, and" Plaza ", San Rocco and Saint Lucia or "Mill" title holder. Teams are formed by residents by their location in the city.[5]

The recently built sports facility for the town houses a soccer field with artificial grass, lighting and grandstands, and a tennis court equipped with individual seats

Local products include the area's high quality olive oil for which the municipality has joined the consortium "La città dell'olio"; wine (until recently celebrated in a Festival of Grapes), honey handcrafted by some Poggesi, and in recent years a considerable collection of truffles.[5]

The typical dishes of the area are represented by means le sagne a pezzate (lasagna), cavati (gnocchi), the cic lievt (typical pasta dough), the palette cheese and eggs (eggs and cheese balls) and magliatiell ( roulade of lamb) as well as various quality sausages.