 In its territory have been found tombs of the Piceni (7th-5th century BC) and Roman remains; however, the town is known only from 578 AD when the population, fleeing the Lombard invasion, founded several castles in the area, included that of Offida.The true first historical mention dates to 1039, when the Abbey of Farfa received the castle of "Ophida", being confirmed in 1261 by Pope Urban IV.During the war between the communes of Ascoli and Fermo, Offida sided for the latter.