Ancient Capua, founded before the 6th century bc near the site of the modern town, was the second largest city in Italy after Rome. During the Second Punic War Capua renounced its allegiance to Rome for the Carthaginian general Hannibal, after which it lost its autonomy. Capua retained its importance, despite its temporary destruction by the Vandals in 456, until about 840, when the Saracens destroyed it. In 856 the Lombards refounded Capua nearby on the site of ancient Casilinum. Population (2001) 19,041.