The first archaeological ruins can be dated back to the 9th century B.C. Starting from the 7th century Lanuvio was part of the Latin League following this in its struggle against the hegemony of Rome. Lanuvio however was subjugated by Rome in the 338 B. C. Starting from the 1st Century B. C. in the Lanuvio's surroundings were built numerous villas. It was the birthplace of several prominent persons such as L. Licinio Murena, Roman consul in 62 B. C.; Q. Roscio, a famous actor; Antoninus Pius; and Commodus. In the 4th century when the temple of Giunone Sospita was closed, began Lanuvio's decline, worsened by the Barbarians invasions and the struggles among noble families. In the 12th century, thanks to the Benedictine Monks Lanuvio flourished again. In the 13th century the ancient village was enclosed by walls with battlements and the tower was built. The Colonna were its owner from 1400 to 1564, when they sold it to the Cesarini. From that point on started for Lanuvio a period characterized almost by peace.

During the Napoleonic period Lanuvio ran the risk to be destroyed by Napoleonic soldiers, which wished to vindicate some of their fellows, killed during the “sanfedista” counterrevolution. During the second world war the ancient town was heavily bombarded.

In this town there are several medieval ruins: among which the walls enclosing the town, built on Romans ruins, with the majestic tower that once had defensive purpose and now is a wine-shop; the “Assunta” collegiate church restored in 1675; the Colonna's Palace built in the 15th century, birthplace of Marcantonio Colonna, the winner of the Lepanto's Battle. It is worth mentioning some pieces of the wall of the 5th century B.C. made of great blocks and a tract of a paved road.

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