 At Grotticelle there is a Byzantine necropolis, with many tombs of local Christians.In 839 or 840, Raffadali was occupied by the Arabs, who introduced new crops, such as apricots, pears, pistachio, citrus fruits, and carob, as well as new farming techniques and a system of canals to irrigate the fields.One etymology for the town's name derives it from the Arabic "Rahl-Afdal" (رحال افدال), meaning "excellent village".