The first human settlers to the area came from Liguria, but the first extant buildings and documentary evidence of settlement date from Roman times.

In 1771, Philip Valentino Asinari became the first Marquis of San Marzano and Caraglio; his son Filippo Maria Antonio became a State Councilor, sent by Napoleon Bonaparte as ambassador to Berlin.

During the Second World War, partisan resistance began earlier in San Marzano Oliveto than in other comuni in the region.

The old emblem of the municipality is formed by a crenellated tower, topped by a crown (gold on blue) with the motto "Virtus addidit".

The Parish Church of San Marziano was built in classic Renaissance style with a neoclassical nave, presbytery and choir.

220 hectares are dedicated to fruit production - particularly apples and grapes, for which the mild climate, the topology and the soil composition are especially favourable.

A few years ago, a group of San Marzano producers formed a consortium to promote apples with the "Divina" brand.