The town originated as a settlement of
Daunians (or maybe
Hirpini) during the 1st millennium BC. Later it was part of the
Roman Empire. Its name stems from Latin
aqua cadiva ("falling water"), which contrasts with nearby Acquatorta village ("channeled water"). In the past it had a much larger population. A
Neapolitan army sacked it during the
Bourbon period. They took the town gates as booty, and these are still in the civic museum in Naples. These events are recorded on a
frieze on the clock tower on the main square in the centre of the town. There is one remaining
Roman arch at a former entrance to the town. There has been extensive redevelopment of the former old quarter of town, which was abandoned after an earthquake in the 1930s. At this time a large portion of the population emigrated and established a colony in
Buffalo, New York, in the United States. ==Twin towns==