an ancient town of Campania in Italy, between Capua and Neapolis. From this town the Atellanae fabuler, or Atellan ludi, took their name. These were also called Oeti, from their inventor, in whose territory Atella lay. They were generally a species of farce, interlarded with much ribaldry and buffoonery; and sometimes were exordia or interludes prefixed between between the acts of other plays. The actors in these farces were not reckoned among the common players, nor deemed infamous; but retained the rights of their tribe, and might be lifted for soldiers, the privilege only of free men. The ruins of this town are still to be seen, about 11 miles from the modern Averfa, which was built out of its materials.