(anc. geogr.), a town of the Marfi in Italy, situated on the north-side of the Lacus Fucinus, still retaining in its name. It stands upon an eminence, and is noted in Roman history for being the state prison where captive princes were shut up, after being barbarously dragged through the streets of Rome at the chariot wheels of a triumphant consul. Perseus king of Macedon terminated his wretched career in this confinement, with his son, the last hope of an illustrious line of kings. Syphax the Numidian, and Bitius king of the Avernii, were also condemned to this gaol by the particular clemency of the senate, which sometimes indulged its savage disposition by putting its captives to death.

Alba being situated in the centre of Italy, amidst difficult mountainous passes, and far from all means of escape, was esteemed a most proper place for the purpose of guarding prisoners of importance. Artificial strength was added to its natural security by fortifications, which remain to this day in a state that proves their ancient solidity. For the entertainment of the garrison, which was required in a place of such consequence, an amphitheatre was erected, of which the ruins are still valuable, as well as the foundations of a temple, and other buildings of Roman times.

Lucius Vitelius, brother to the emperor of that name, had a villa near this place, famous for the variety and excellence of its fruit-trees, which he had brought from Syria. His gardens were the nurseries where several of the most delicious stone-fruits, that are now so common in Europe, were first cultivated and multiplied. It must have been necessary at Alba to shelter trees transplanted from Asia, and to treat them with great tenderness and care, in order to rear them to perfection; for the climate of this high region is extremely rigorous in winter; the cold season lasts long, and is accompanied with violent storms of wind and falls of snow. The lake has been often frozen entirely over.