town, Molise region, south central Italy, between the Carpino and Sordo rivers, west of Campobasso. It originated as Aesernia, a town of the Samnites (an ancient Italic people), and later became a Roman colony. Isernia suffered severe damage in World War II but has been rebuilt. Notable landmarks include a Roman bridge, the cathedral (rebuilt after an earthquake in 1805), the Fraterna Fountain, and the civic museum. A commercial centre and transport junction, the town manufactures food products, textiles, and lace. Pop. (2006 est.) mun., 21,608.