According to recent studies, supported by conclusive findings, the first human settlements in the territory of Civitavecchia dating from the Etruscan.
Then the characteristics of the coast, in favor of rest and shelter of the ships, were exploited by the Romans.
Emperor Trajan, who built a beautiful villa area and put his hand to the port (106 AD), however, is attributed to the formation of a town called Centumcellae with military garrison and trading.
The city certainly prospered (thanks to the advent of Christianity with the establishment of a bishopric) in the following centuries, until the repeated and devastating incursions forced the Saracens centumcellensi to take refuge inside.
By the end of business Saracens in the ruins of the ancient port (Civita Vecchia) slowly resumed military life first, then commercial and finally the Roman pontiffs made it a major garrison. Arose the first major port development related activities and protection of trade and population.
Some structures are still alive and standing up to the last world war, during which Civitavecchia was almost completely destroyed. But some streets in the old town, the fort of Bramante better known under the name of Michelangelo, the remains of the massive defensive walls testify to the splendor of Civitavecchia.
The difficulties of postwar reconstruction have delayed a full and comprehensive development, promoting uncontrolled growth in some sectors.
The city now is on the development of the commercial port and tourist cruise in the Mediterranean, on the revaluation of the ancient Baths of Trajan, enhancement of Ficoncella and takeoff of tourism.
Civitavecchia 
