The history of settlement in the region dates back to the
Palaeolithic Period and the first instance of organised settlement was in 251 BCE, when Roman Republic
consul Lucius Caecilius Metellus founded the town as Matera. Matera was sacked multiple times; initially by the
Franks, then by Roman Emperor
Louis II of Italy, and then by invading Muslims during the 10th century. Following this, the town was owned by the
Capetian House of Anjou and the
Crown of Aragon and was sold multiple times to successive wealthy families.
Giovanni Carlo Tramontano, Count of Matera was briefly leader of the city but was despised by the residents, who saw him as tyrannical and rebelled against him, murdering Tramontano on 29 December 1514. The city Matera was announced to be the capital of ancient district
Lucania (
Basilicata) in 1663; this status was removed from the city in 1806 and 1860. Under the Fascist rule of Italy, the title of Matera serving as the capital of Basilicata was restored in 1927. == Municipalities ==