Up to 1963 the proud region of Abruzzo was not a region in its own right, but cohabited with Molise, even if Frederick of Swabia had already, in 1233, created the Giustiziere d’Abruzzo, identifying the region’s territory.  

Abruzzo became then part of the Bourbons’ kingdom, under the rule of which it remained until, not without fighting, it was eventually annexed to the Kingdom of Italy. In those years, the phenomenon of brigantaggio, criminal venture in support of the Bourbons, became particularly strong.