Samnite village in origin, it was called "Montesarcis" (fortified mountain) due to its strategic position, perched on a promontory. Also the Romans benefited from its strategic position in order to defeat the enemies. It also framed several battles, from the Roman period to the Fascist one.
During the first half of the XX century, archaeological digs uncovered the remains of buildings, an inscription commemorating Drusus, son of emperor Tiberius, who was consul in AD 21, and a headless statue made of Greek marble, representing a woman wearing a peplos, an original copy attributed to the Greek sculptor Calamis. Subsequently a very luxury building with a connected thermal complex was found.
Also dating back to Roman times is the magnificent aqueduct whose well-preserved remains can be found within the hamlet of Cirignano.