The name Torre dell'Olio probably dates back to the 16th century and refers to the event, or legend, that had Hannibal as its protagonist. It was believed, and still is, that in 217 BC the people of Spoleto threw boiling oil on the Carthaginians who were attempting to invade the city by entering through the gate, which was later rebuilt and called Porta Fuga. After a victory over the Romans at Lake Trasimeno, Hannibal hoped to take Spoleto easily and continue his conquest of Rome without difficulty. But the unexpected and bloody aggression of Spoleto had weakened his army to a great extent; to gain time and reinforce his troops, instead of marching straight to Rome, he went towards Picenum. The diversions gave Fabius Maximus time to organise an adequate defence.