PALESTRINA (the ancient Prameste), an episcopal city of the present kingdom of Italy, in the province and 22 in. e.s.e. of the city of Rome, occupies a strong position on the s.w. slope of a high hill, an offset of the Apennines. Besides several interesting churches, the town contains a castle, once the chief stronghold of the Colcnna, to whom the town belonged; and the palace and garden of the Barberini family. The view across the Campagna and toward the Alban hills is magnificent. Pop. 6,000, who manufac tum coarse woolen goods.
Palestrina is built almost entirely upon the site and the gigantic substructions of the Temple of Fortune, one of the great edifices of the foimer city of Prxneste. This city was one of the most ancient as well as powerful and important cities of Latium. It covered the hill (2,400 ft. above sea-level) on the slope of which the modern town stands, and was overlooked by a citadel of great strength. The site of this citadel tin the summit of the hill is now occupied by a castle of the middle ages, called Castel S. Pietro; but remains of the ancient walls are still visible. We first hear of Prieneste as a member of the Latin League; but in 499 B.C. it quitted the confederacy, and joined the
cause of the Romans. In 380 B.C., the Prtenestines, having rejoined their ancient allies, opened a war with Rome; but were completely routed on the banks of the Allia by T. Quintius Cincinnati's, and beaten back to their own gates. They took a prominent part in the famous Latin war, 340 B.C. Having given shelter to the younger Marius in the year 82 B.C., this city was besieged by the forces of Sulia, and on its being taken all the inhabitants were put to the sword. A military colony was then established in their place, and soon the city began to flourish anew. Its elevated and healthy situation, at no great distance from the capital, made it a favorite place of resort of the Romans during summer. Augustus frequented it; Horace often found this city a pleasant retreat; and here Hadrian built an extensive villa. The Temple of Fortune is described by Cicero as an edifice of great antiquit•as well as splendor, and its oracle was much consulted. The town became the stronghold of the family of Colon= in the middle ages; but was given .to the Barberini family by 'Urban VIII.