Acquaviva
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Acquaviva: One of the seven Great Houses of the Kingdom of Naples. Originating in Germany, they were related to the Dukes of Bayer. Coming to Italy in 10th century, they originally centered themselves in and around the Marquisate of Ancona. Under the Swabian-Hohenstaufen dynasty, they acquired several feudal holding in the Abruzzi, including Acquaviva Collecroce (now in Campobasso province, Molise), from which they took their surname. The Sicilian branch of the family survived until 1650, when it was absorbed into the San Framondo family. The Acquaviva della Ratta branch, which held the title of Counts of Caserta, died out in 1511. The Acquaviva- Concublet branch (Marquises of Arena) survived until 1708. The Acquaviva branch which held the titles of the Princes of Caserta and Marquis of Bellante became extinct in 1635, while those who held the title of Dukes of Atri were absorbed into the Strozzi. At the height of their power, the Acquaviva held many fiefs including:
Baronies: Basciano, Bisenti, Cermignano, Corropoli, Castel del Monte, Castrogerardo, Cellino, Colonnella, Forcella, Montesilvano, Montefusco, Montone, Montemaiella, Montebello, Montepagano, Raiano, Rapino, Ripattone, Rocca Santa Maria, Roseto, Sant’Omero, Rocchetta, Sant’Egidio, San Vito, Tortoreto, Scorrano.
Counties: Capestrano, Conversano, Giulianova, Montorio (1383), Palena (1467).
Duchies: Atri.
Princedoms: Caserta (1579], Teramo (1484).
Over the centuries the Acquaviva family produced many great statesmen, ecclesiastical leaders, and military figures.