ASI´SIUM
ASI´SIUM (
Ἀσίσιον: but
Αἰσἰσιον,
Ptol. 3.1.53, and Aff
Αἴσιον in
Strab. v. p.227, is probably a corruption of the same name: Eth.
Ἀσισἰνος Asisinas,--atis), a town of Umbria, situated on the western side of the Apennines, about 12 miles E. of Perusia, and 20 S. of Iguvium. Its name is found both in Pliny and Ptolemy, and its municipal rank and consideration are attested by inscriptions. Procopius (3.12. p. 326) mentions it as a strong fortress, which was besieged and taken by Totila.
The modern city of
Assisi (celebrated as the birth-place of St. Francis) retains the ancient site, as well as name, and contains, besides numerous inscriptions and other minor antiquities, the well-preserved portico of an ancient temple, now converted into that of a church. Some remains of a Roman aqueduct and baths are also visible. (
Plin. Nat. 3.14. s. 19;
Ptol. 3.1.53; Orell.
Inscr. 1250; Rampoldi,
Corografia dell' Italia, vol. i. p. 139.)
[
E.H.B]
