Sorrento
was most likely founded by the Greeks. The Etruscans and more significantly the
Oschi, both Italic peoples, were early settlers. During the Roman Empire it was
known as Surrentum and is to this day remembered for its role in the insurgence
by the Italic peoples in 90 A.D. It subsequently became the seat of government of
the Menenia tribe and a bishopric in 420 A.D. At the onset of the decline of the
Bizantine Empire in Italy, Sorrento became part of the Duchy of Naples and subsequently
the Duchy of the local gentry who took part in wars with Amalfi, Salerno and the
Saracens.
Sorrento, with other towns of Campania, fought battles against Muslims, the Longobards
from Benevento, and was involved in the many skirmishes between the local gentry.