ALBA FUCENS

modern Albe ancient fortified town at the foot of Mount Velino, Italy. It was originally a town of the ancient Marsi people but was occupied by a Latin colony about 303 BC. It was situated on a hill with three distinct summits, all of which were enclosed within the walls. Its strong position made it important in the Social War and in the civil wars of the 1st century BC; state prisoners of the Romans were often held there. Much survives of the main circuit of walls; the gateways, which also remain, were so placed as to expose the right side of an attacking force. The acropolis in the northern corner had a separate line of walls, forming an independent stronghold.