 The origin of the town's name is uncertain, although it is likely that the name is derived from either the “Guards of Alfier” or the “Guards of Adalferio”, named after the Lombard ruler of Larino who in 1049 conquered the town.In 1053 it is likely that Pope Leo IX used Guardialfiera as a base in order to launch an attack against the Normans who had occupied the nearby town of Larino in 1050.On June 18, 1053 the Norman Count of Apulia, Humphrey of Hauteville defeated Pope Leo IX at the Battle of Civitate.