Vico nel Lazio is situated on a limestone hill at 721m above sea level on the land formerly inhabited by the "Ernici" population.
Their origins are shrouded in mystery as those of "Etruschi".
The poet Virgil says that the Ernici were very good at shooting arrows, which went to war with the left foot naked and covered by a right fit called "pear" and that they were infallible shooters , precisely aiming and hit ting the targets, launching arrows with their right foot forward and the left one behind. Some historians claim that they came from the distant lands of Asia Minor, others believe that they belonged to the family of Osco-Samnite populations, among whom were the Sabines, Marsi and other Italic peoples, so that the same Festo says that the name "Ernici" derives from the word Herne that Marsi used to indicate the stones.
Among the few reports that the ancients handed down about the "Ernici" people is that left to us by Ovidius, according to whom for them March was the sixth month of the year, hence for the "Ernici" the year began in October, as for the Spartans and the Phoenicians.
This statement supports the view of those supporting the Semitic origin of many Italian peoples, including that of Ernici.
It has not been possible so far to place the historical origins of Vico nel Lazio. Various documents dating from around the year 1000 reveal several data indicating that the castle was already in existence at the beginning of the second millenium.
It has not been possible so far to place the historical origins of Vico nel Lazio. Various documents dating from around the year 1000 reveal several data indicating that the castle was already in existence at the beginning of the second millenium.