The territory east of the Comino Valley was invaded by the Saracens in the early 10th century and then by the Hungarians in 938. Agnone and Atina, from the end of the same century, belonged to the Lombard Principality of Capua and were governed by the Counts of the Marsi. Counts Oderisio and Rinaldo built the castrum (fortress) of Rocca Malcucchiara to control the passes towards the hinterland of the Apennines (S. Biagio Saracinisco - Cardito). In the 11th century, the fort was further strengthened with the addition of protective walls, high watchtowers and an entrance gate. Inside the settlement were the Church of Santa Maria Maddalena, the Church of San Salvatore and some 40 dwellings.
Rocca Malcucchiara or Malacucchiara fortress
