In the area of the commune of Marcianise numerous tombs ofEtruscan andRoman age have been excavated, althoughOscan elements should have pre-existed. The origin of the today's city are uncertain. It was allegedly founded in the 6th century CE by bands ofOstrogoths after their defeat in theGothic War.
In 861 it was probably destroyed by theSaracens along withCapua. After the creation of theDuchy of Capua, Marcianise followed the latter's history.
The area was repeatedly struck bycholera but, according to a legend, the city was miraculously spared by the July 1706 plague through the intercession of the Holy Crucifix. Later the marshy area was dried, and extensive cultivation ofcannabis augmented the economy of the region.
The Baroque church of theAnnunziata. The interior has Neapolitan school frescoes.
The Cathedral of St. Michael Archangel houses an allegedly miraculous crucifix which, according to the legend, saved the city from cholera in the 18th century.
The Castle of Loriano (15th century) has maintained the towers, the walls and the interior church, while that in Ariola is now a private residence.
Near Marcianise, was the mediumwave transmitter for the Naples area, which worked on 657 kHz. It was used as an antenna, 205 metres (673 ft) tall, a guyed mast, radiator insulated, against the ground, the tallest radio tower on the Italian mainland. This antenna and transmitter were removed in 2012.
The dialect of Marcianise, although similar toNeapolitan, shows a long series of peculiar influences ranging from French and English to more ancientGreek andOscan. Examples of local exclusive words includeching for "tile" (Italian:tegola) andcstunia for "turtle" (Italian:tartaruga).
Marcianise is home to several craftsmanship firms workinggold andcoral, as well as numerous chemical, manufacture and chemical industries. Together with the territories ofMaddaloni,Acerra,Caivano andTeverola, the commune forms the second most industrialized area of Italy.Dairy and wine production is also flourishing.
Jefford, C.G. (1988).RAF Squadrons. A comprehensive record of the movement and equipment of all RAF squadrons and their antecedents since 1912.Shrewsbury: Airlife.ISBN1-85310-053-6.
