In 840, ancient Capua was burned to the ground by a band of Saracen mercenaries called by Radelchis I of BeneventoPieurre Riche, The Carolingians: A Family who forged Europe, transl. Michael Idomir Allen, (University of Pennsylvania Press, 1993), 181. with only the church of Santa Maria Maggiore (founded about 497) remaining (which was purposely spared by the invading Muslims, whose policy was that to leave houses of worship alone). A new city was built in 856, but at some distance from the former site, where another town later appeared under the name of Santa Maria Capua Vetere ("Capua the Old").
In 840 ancient Capua was burned to the ground by a band of Saracen mercenaries called by Radelchis I of BeneventoPieurre Riche The Carolingians A Family who forged Europe transl Michael Idomir Allen (University of Pennsylvania Press 1993) 181 with only the church of Santa Maria Maggiore (founded about 497) remaining (which was purposely spared by the invading Muslims whose policy was that to leave houses of worship alone) A new city was built in 856 but at some distance from the former site where another town later appeared under the name of Santa Maria Capua Vetere ("Capua the Old")