The Matese mountains straddle two regions (Molise and Campania) and four provinces (Campobasso, Isernia, Benevento and Caserta).

The area of the Matese was inhabited in historic times by the Samnites, who were conquered by the Romans in the 3rd-2nd centuries BC.

In the 7th century some villages in the area (Gallo Matese, Sepino, Boiano) were settled by a small Bulgar horde led by Alcek.

In the early 19th century it was a shelter for the anti-French partisans who were fighting against the French King of Naples, Joachim Murat.

After the unification of Italy (1861), they became the base for anti-Piedmontese brigands, including both criminals and former Neapolitan soldiers organized in bands counting up to 600 men.