Quindici has been inhabited by Ausonians, Osci, Etruscans, Greeks and Samnites, followed by the Romans who named the village Quindecim.

A local legend states that the town was founded by fifteen deserters of Barbarossa's army during the Middle Ages.

This legend is unfounded; archeological evidence suggests that human settlements in the area date back to pre-Roman times.

Legend suggests they were the lead clan of fifteen, preying on merchant caravans that made the trek overland from the coastal city of Barium after offloading goods from the east.

Both the Fusco and Graziano clans vied for control of the town and region for many years with heads of both families claiming to be 'Boss' at various times.

These include the Bonavita, Santaniello, Cava, Vivenzio, Scibelli, Tranghese, Siniscalchi, Grasso, Fusco, Graziano, and Manzi families.