"Campus Mellis "rose probably over the ruins of Apiola, a very ancient Latin city, destroyed by Tarquinius Priscus, fifth king of Rome (579 BC); the ruins of Apiola are visible away from the present-day historic center of Campodimele.In the 6th century AD, the Lombards established the first fortified settlement, while in the following century it was part of the possessions of the Monastery of Montecassino.