Matelica is a commune of the upper Esino valley between Fabriano, Camerino and San Severino.
Christian of Mainz razed it in 1174-1175; it rebuilt itself under two noble consuls, and the sons of Count Atto swore it fidelity. About 1199 a later Count Atto turned on it with a league of Camerino, Fabriano, San Severino, Tolentino, Cingoli, Recanati and Civitanova, which attacked from north and south and destroyed the town that year. On 1 January 1200 Matelica lies in ruins, its people scattered among the castles round it, and its land is held or raided by its enemies [thin].
The Matelicesi will rebuild only in 1209, with Otto IV's leave.
Who holds it
- Title
- The commune of Matelica (two consuls of noble origin), its town destroyed
- Since
- not pinned
- Confidence
- low
Italian Wikipedia: after Christian of Mainz razed Matelica (1174; the Enciclopedia Italiana says 1175), the town rebuilt itself as a commune under two consuls of noble origin; about 1199 a league organised by Count Atto (Camerino, Fabriano, San Severino, Tolentino, Cingoli, Recanati and Civitanova) attacked it from north and south and destroyed it 'for the third time' in 1199; the Matelicesi were allowed to rebuild in 1209 after appealing to Otto IV. No date within 1199 and no officer is given.
Lord in 1200
No one securely: the town lies destroyed since 1199 and its land is in the hands of the victorious league [thin].
Overlord
The pope.
Allies and rivals
Enemies: Camerino, Fabriano, San Severino, Tolentino, Cingoli, Recanati, Civitanova and Count Atto. No ally is recorded.
How things stand that morning
Destroyed; its ground contested between the Matelicesi and the league of Camerino and its allies [thin].
Wealth
Ruined.
Military
None that winter.
Threats
- Its enemies taking its land for good
Council
Two consuls of noble origin (before the destruction).
Communities
Not documented.
Fairs and markets
None while the town lies destroyed.
Militia
Broken in 1199.
Walls and castle
Destroyed in 1199.
Trade and crafts
The valley road between Jesi, Fabriano and Camerino (the Empress Constance came this way in 1194).
What the year holds
What happened next, if nothing in play changes it. Each event carries what it depends on and what would stop it.
- 1209 (not 1200)The Matelicesi appeal to Otto IV and are allowed to rebuild the town, briefly called the New Castle of Sant'Adriano.Depends on: A new emperor in Italy willing to favour them. Stopped by: The league towns or the pope forbidding it.
Where the sources disagree
- Italian Wikipedia dates Christian of Mainz's destruction of Matelica to 1174; the Enciclopedia Italiana gives 1175. Only Italian Wikipedia reports the 1199 destruction; it also wrongly has 'Frederick II' make peace with the pope in 1185 and names a 'Francesco d'Este' as curator of the March in 1209, so treat the account with care.
Evidence: One source, Italian Wikipedia, without a cited document; the Enciclopedia Italiana does not mention the 1199 destruction.
On the map: The destroyed commune's near land, coloured contested; who actually held each castle that winter is not known.
Sources and studies
Last revised 4 November 2026. Published 4 November 2026. Suggest a correction on the OMNIA Discord.