[3] The history of settlement in the region dates back to the Palaeolithic Period and the first instance of organised settlement was in 251 BCE, when Roman Republic consul Lucius Caecilius Metellus founded the town as Matera.

[3] Matera was sacked multiple times; initially by the Franks, then by Roman Emperor Louis II of Italy, and then by invading Muslims during the 10th century.

Following this, the town was owned by the Capetian House of Anjou and the Crown of Aragon and was sold multiple times to successive wealthy families.

Under the Fascist rule of Italy, the title of Matera serving as the capital of Basilicata was restored in 1927.

[3] The main comuni (municipalities) by population are (as of January 2018): Montescaglioso hosts the territorial abbacy of Saint Michael the Archangel, which belongs to the Benedictines.