How did Benevento get its name?

The story behind the name Benevento is a journey through time, a tale of the ancient Romans, conquests and a touch of superstition. A city that went from being ‘evil’ to becoming ‘good’. A transformation in its name that marked its destiny. Get ready for a story that mixes history and interesting facts, and discover how Benevento got its name.

Myths and legends

The mythical origin of the name Benevento is a web of stories of Greek heroes, epic battles and mysterious mediaeval legends; tales that not only enrich the cultural heritage of the city, but also offer a fascinating insight into how myth and reality can coexist and influence the perception of a place.

One of the most evocative legends concerns Diomedes, an Achaean hero who, after the destruction of Troy, undertook a long journey to the coast of southern Italy and founded several cities there, including Benevento. The hero brought with him the sacred stones from the temple of Apollo and used them to build a new altar, giving the city an aura of sacredness and power.

Pre-Roman times

The city was historically inhabited by the Samnites, an ancient Italic people known for their daring resistance to Roman expansion, and was called Maleventum, a rather disturbing sounding name with an obscure meaning, literally ‘bad omen’. Despite its rather unpromising name, Maleventum was an important city, strategically located along the trade routes of southern Italy.

The Roman conquest

In 268 BC, the Samnites were defeated in a decisive battle, and control of Maleventum passed to the Romans, who had an eye for omens and symbolism. And so the name of the city, considered too negative, was transformed with an act of refined linguistic diplomacy into Beneventum, literally ‘happy event’, symbolising a new prosperous beginning for the centre of the Campania region.

The legend of the witches

It is said that, during the Middle Ages, Benevento was a meeting place for witches and practitioners of the magical arts. According to folklore, these mysterious figures would gather under a walnut tree to celebrate their Sabbaths. This legend has added an aura of mystery to the city, making it a place of fascination and curiosity for many. Whether you believe in legends or prefer documented history, Benevento is a city that enchants with its past and its history. When you visit, you’ll be walking in a place where reality and myth meet, creating a unique and evocative atmosphere.

Article translated by Jasmina Towers

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Curiosities

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