With its strategic position above sea-level, Acerenza has been sacked by a series of invaders. The town, then known as
Aceruntia,
Acheruntia or
Acherontia, was conquered by the
Romans in 318 BC. Later, it was taken by the
Ostrogoths (it was mentioned as an important fortress during the
Gothic Wars) and then the
Lombards, who fortified the town. In 788
Charlemagne ordered that its walls be destroyed. In 1041, after a period in which it was fought over by the
Principality of Salerno and the
Byzantine Empire, it was conquered again by the
Norman Robert Guiscard. The town has been the
see of a
bishop since at least 499, when a Justus is known, and an
archbishop since 1068. According to legend, the town's first bishop was appointed by
St. Peter. From the 16th century, Acerenza was held under the feudal lordship of the
Marquess of Galatone, that family being granted the title
Duke of Acerenza on 12 April 1593 by
Philip II of Spain. Through marriage the duchy of Acerenza was inherited by the family of the
Prince Belmonte, in whose line the title has descended to the present day. ==Main sights==