Capua

a city of ancient Italy. It was situated in the Plain of Campania, seventeen miles north from Naples. It was founded by the Etruscans, came under Samnite rule about 423 B. C., and was taken over by the Romans in 340 B. C. Capua was second only to Rome in size and exceeded that city in wealth and luxury. Capua opened its gates to Hannibal, who wintered here 216-15 B. C. The Romans retook the city and punished the inhabitants for disloyalty. Capua was headquarters for gladiatorial sports. The remains of an amphitheater rival those of the Roman Colosseum. Capua was sacked by Genseric 456 A. D., and was destroyed by the Saracens in 840. The site is now occupied by a small Italian village. See Hannibal; Campania; Gladiator