Encyclopedia of Southern Italy: T
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T
Tabula Bantina: See Bantine Table.
Tagliacozzo (AQ): A commune in the province of L’Aquila. Population: 6,814 (2006e).
tammorriata (tammuriata): Campanian couple-dance. It is usually accompanied by lyric songs called strambotti, and tammorra tambourines.
tammuriata: See tammorriata.
Tancred (de Hauteville): b. c AD 990; d. AD 1041. (full entry)
Tancred: (d. Feb. 20, 1194). King of Sicily (r.1189-1194).
Taormina: (anc. Tauromenium ) (ME): A commune (204m) in the province of Messina. (full entry)
Taranta Peligna (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Population: 492 (2006e).
tarantate: Women who had been supposedly received the poisonous bites of tarantula spiders and then performed a ritual dance (the tarantella) to cure themselves.
tarantel: An alternate term for the tarantella dance.
tarantella: A couple dance performed in 6/8 time. Now found in many varieties throughout southern Italy, it had its beginnings in and around ancient Tarentum (mod. Taranto) as a ritual dance performed to cure the supposedly poisonous bite of the tarantula spider.
tarantismo: Apulian term for the tarantella healing ritual.
Taranto, Province of: A province of Puglia. Population: 580,189 (2007e).
Taranto (TA): A commune and provincial capital of the province of Taranto in Puglia. The earliest name of the city, Taras, may derive from the Illyrian word darandos (= “oak”), so-called because of the abundance of that type of tree. Another theory, however, suggests that the name derives from the Indo-European root ter- or tor- (= “current”).
tarantolati: An Apulian variety of the tarantella healing ritual.
Taras: An ancient sea god who had a cult center at the Great city of Taras/Tarentum in Magna Graecia.
tarentella: An alternate term for the tarantella.
tarentule: An alternate term for the tarantella.
tarě: a coin used principally in Sicily prior to the conquest of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. It was the equivalent of 20 grani, 40 tornesi, and, until 1784, 0.8737 lire. From 1784 to 1814, it was equivalent in value to 0.08497 lire.
Tarsia (CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 2,284 (2006e).
Taurano (AV): A commune in the province of Avellino. Population: 1,604 (2006e).
Taurasi (AV): A commune in the province of Avellino. Population: 2,689 (2006e).
Taurisano (LE): A commune in the province of Lecce. Population: 12,525 (2006e).
Tauromenium: A ancient wine produced in eastern Sicily. It was said to be of high quality and there is evidence that it drunk at Pompeii.
Tavenna (CB): A commune in the province of Campobasso. Population: 906 (2006e).
Taverna (CZ): A commune in the province of Catanzaro. Population: 2,650 (2006e).
Taviano (LE): A commune in the province of Lecce. Population: 12,678 (2006e).
Teana (PZ): A commune in the province of Potenza.
Teano (CE): A commune in the province of Caserta. Population: 12,765 (2006e).
Teanum Sidicinum (mod. Teano [CE]): ancient capital of the Sidicini, it was captured by the Samnites in the 4th Century BC, and later taken by the Romans. Under the Roman Empire it became a flourishing city, second in Campania only to Capua.
Teate: Ancient name for Chieti.
Teate, Duchy of: See Chieti.
Teggiano (SA): A commune in the province of Salerno.
Telemachus: Ruler of Akragas (r554-550 BC).
Telese Terme (BN): A commune in the province of Benevento. Population: 6,329 (2006e).
Telesphorus, St: Pope. (rAD 125-136 or 138).
Tellus: an ancient Italic/Roman earth goddess, also called Terra or Terra Mater (Mother Earth).
Temesa: An ancient colony in Bruttium founded by Aetolian Greeks in the 6th century BC. Although mentioned by Strabo who noted the importance of its copper, its location is now uncertain. During the 4th century BC, it was seized by the Bruttians but survived until its abandonment during the 2nd Punic War. In 194 BC, the Romans found the colony of Tempsa on the site of Temesa.
Tempsa (Temesa; possibly also Nuceria): An ancient city of Bruttium, identified with modern Nocera Terinese (CZ). It appears that the earliest version of the name was Temesa, an Oscan word derived from the Indo-European *tem(e)- (‘dark’).
Teodoro: Bishop of Capua (r?). His term fell sometime between Ambrogio (740-744) and Stefano (786-?).
Teofania di Adamo: A possible alternate name of the infamous poisoner Tofana of Palermo.
Teora (AV): A commune in the province of Avellino. Population: 1,565 (2006e).
Teramo, Province of: A province in the region of Abruzzo.
Teramo (TE): A commune in the province of Teramo.
Teramo-Atri, Diocese of: A diocese in the Ecclesiastical Region of Abruzzo-Molise.
Suffragans:
Metropolitan: Pescara-Penne.
Conference Region: Abruzzo-Molise.
Area: 1,480 km˛/ mi˛
Total Population: 217,962.
Catholic Population:
Total Priests: 187(Diocesan: 126; Religious: 61)
Permanent Deacons: 11.
Parishes: 186.
History:
Terina: A city of ancient Bruttium identified with modern Lamezia Terme (CZ). The name derives from an Eastern Italic word meaning “piece of land”, related to the Indo-European root *(s)ter- (‘stiff, solid’).
Terlizzi (BA): A commune in the province of Bari: Population: 27,422 (2006e).
Terme Vigliatore (ME): A commune in the province of Messina.
Terminator: an official or “master of ceremonies” in some Sicilian cathedrals.
Termini Imerese (PA): A commune in the province of Palermo.
Termoli (CB): A commune in the province of Campobasso. Population: 31,209 (2006e).
Termoli-Larino, Diocese of: A diocese in the Ecclesiastical Region of Abruzzo-Molise.
Suffragans:
Metropolitan: Campobasso-Boiano.
Conference Region: Abruzzo-Molise
Area: 1,424 km˛/ mi˛
Total Population: 103,121
Total Priests: 68 (Diocesan: 62; Religious: 6)
Permanent Deacons: 8
Parishes: 51.
Terra (also Terra Mater or Tellus): An ancient Italic/Roman earth mother goddess.
Terra di Lavoro (or Lavora): A province of the former Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. It was situated at the extreme northwest of the mainland portion of the Regno, bordering the Sea of Tuscany. Its territory encompassed part of ancient Campania.
Terranova da Sibari (CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 5,234 (2006e).
Terranova di Pollino (PZ): A commune in the province of Potenza.
Terranova Sappo Minulio (RC): A commune in the province of Reggio di Calabria.
Terrasini (PA): A commune in the province of Palermo.
Terravecchia (CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 969 (2006e).
Territorial Abbey: An abbey with some territory which functions in a similar manner as a diocese. The abbot is the Ordinary for the jurisdiction.
Terzigno (NA): A commune in the province of Napoli.
Teura: An ancient town in Bruttium, identified with modern Tiriolo (CZ). The area around the town was called the Ager Teuranus. The name derives from the Indo-European root IE root *teu- (‘fat, strong”).
Teverola (CE): A commune in the province of Caserta. Population: 12,098 (2006e).
Thalia (Thaleia): A nymph connected with ancient Mt. Aitna (Etna) in eastern Sicily. She was a daughter of Hephaestus. One of the many love interests of Zeus, she feared being discovered by Hera, Zeus’s wife. She thus went into hiding underground where she became the mother of the Palici, the twin gods who presided over the sacred springs-geysers on Mt. Etna.
Theodore (Theodorus) I: Pope. (rNov 24, 642-May 14, 649).
Theodore (Theodorus) II: Pope. (rDec 897).
Theodorus (Theodoros): ( b. Tarentum; fl. 4th century BC). Dancer. At some time during the campaigns of Alexander the Great, Theodorus accompanied Philoxenus in Asia Minor. When Philoxenus wished to purchase two slave boys for Alexander from Theodorus he wrote to the king for permission. Alexander not only refused to agree the transaction, he severely rebuked Philoxenus and added a general condemnation of Theodorus.
Theoxene: (fl. late 4th/early 3rd centuries BC). She was the wife of Agathocles, tyrant of Syracuse.
Therasia: an ancient Greek name used by Pliny the Elder (iii.14) for the Aeolian island of Vulcano, north of Sicily. The Romans adopted the name and it eventually evolved into the personal feminine name Theresa.
Thermae: Roman baths.i
Thermae Selenuritiae: See Aquae Labodes.
Theron I: Ruler of Akragas (r550 BC-?).
Theron II: Ruler of Akragas (r488-472 BC). He was victor in the Tethrippon in the Olympian Games in 476 BC.
Thomas Aquinas, St: . (San Tommaso da Aquino): (b. (full entry)
Thoosa: a sea nymph of Sicily, a daughter of Phorcys. By the god Poseidon, she became the mother of the monstrous Cyclops Polyphemus. The sister of Scylla and Echidna, she was, like them, often depicted as a mermaid. Her name derives from the Greek thoôsa or thoos meaning “swift”, and it is believed that she originally was a goddess who presided over dangerous swift ocean currents.
Thrasydaeos: Ruler of Akragas (r472-470BC).
Thurii: ancient city of Magna Graecia, S Italy, in Bruttium, on the Gulf of Tarentum (now Taranto). It was founded by Pericles in 443 B.C. to replace ruined Sybaris. New Greek colonists came, among them the city planner Hippodamus, Herodotus and Lysias. Thurii became an ally of Rome and was pillaged (204 B.C.) by Hannibal. Rome revived (193 B.C.) the colony, but it did not thrive.
Thucles: the oikistos, or leader of the Greek colonists, who founded Naxos in Sicily in c734 BC.
Tiggiano (LE): A commune in the province of Lecce. Population: 2,896 (2006e).
Timaeus: (b. c.345 BC, in Tauromenium, Sicily; d. (full entry)
Timasitheos: an athlete of ancient Kroton. He was victor in wrestling at the Olympian Games in 512 BC.
Time calculation: Prior to the Risorgimento, time was calculated using a 24 hour clock. The day began as sunset (referred to as Ave Maria) and progressed from 1 to 24 o’clock. Because the actual time of sunset varied throughout the year, clocks were readjusted every two weeks. After the unification of Italy, this practice was officially replaced by the standard method of time-keeping with each day beginning at midnight. The old system, however, remained in common use especially among the lower classes. It long remained in use in Sicily.
Timoleon: (b. c394 BC, Corinth; d. (full entry)
Tione degli Abruzzi (AQ): A commune in the province of L’Aquila. Population: 353 (2006e).
Tiriolo (CZ): A commune in the province of Catanzaro. Population: 4,055 (2006e).
Tisandros: An athlete of ancient Naxos, in Sicily. He was victor in boxing at the Olympian Games in 572 BC, 568 BC, 564 BC and 560 BC.
Tisikrates: an athlete of ancient Kroton. He was victor in the Stadion at the Olympian Games in 496 BC and 492 BC.
Titianus: (fl. late 4th century AD). Roman administrator. He served as governor of Sicily (consularis Siciliae) in AD 398.
Tito (PZ): A commune in the province of Potenza.
Titular Bishop: A bishop not assigned as the Ordinary of a diocese. Titular sees are historical dioceses no longer in existence.
Tocco Caudio (BN): A commune in the province of Benevento. Population: 1,593 (2006e).
Tocco da Casauria (PZ): A commune in the province of Potenza.
Todaro: a surname found in southern Italy. It derives from the Greek personal name Theodoros (Theodore).
Tofana of Palermo (: or perhaps Teofania di Adamo ) : (d.1730). (full entry)
ton, Neapolitan: a measure of weight used under the Two Sicilies. It was equal to 1,000 kilogrammes, or 2,205 lbs avoirdupois, 35 lbs lighter than the standard English ton.
Tollo (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Population: 4,243 (2006e).
Tolve (PZ): A commune in the province of Potenza.
Tora e Piccilli (CE): A commune in the province of Caserta. Population: 1,029 (2006e).
Torano Castello (CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 4,835 (2006e).
Torano Nuovo (TE): A commune in the province of Teramo.
Torchiara (SA): A commune in the province of Salerno.
Torchiarolo (BR): A commune in the province of Brindisi. Population: 5,069 (2006e).
Torella dei Lombardi (AV): A commune in the province of Avellino. Population: 2,242 (2006e).
Torella del Sannio (CB): A commune in the province of Campobasso. Population: 839 (2006e).
Torino di Sangro (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Population: 3,119 (2006e).
Toritto (BA): A commune in the province of Bari: Population: 8,768 (2006e).
Tornareccio (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Population: 1,963 (2006e).
Tornimparte (AQ): A commune in the province of L’Aquila. Population: 2,966 (2006e).
Toro (CB): A commune in the province of Campobasso. Population: 1,511 (2006e).
Torraca (SA): A commune in the province of Salerno.
Torre Annunziata(NA): A commune in the province of Napoli.
Torrebruna (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Population: 1,075 (2006e).
Torrecuso (BN): A commune in the province of Benevento. Population: 3,527 (2006e).
Torre del Greco(NA): A commune in the province of Napoli.
Torre de’ Passeri (PE): A commune in the province of Pescara.
Torre di Ruggiero (CZ): A commune in the province of Catanzaro. Population: 1,222 (2006e).
Torregrotta (ME): A commune in the province of Messina.
Torre le Nocelle (AV): A commune in the province of Avellino. Population: 1,356 (2006e).
Torremaggiore (FG): A commune in the province of Foggia. Population: 17,027 (2006e).
Torrenova (ME): A commune in the province of Messina.
Torre Orsaia (SA): A commune in the province of Salerno.
Torre Santa Susanna (BR): A commune in the province of Brindisi. Population: 10,606 (2006e).
torre saracena: See Saracen tower.
Torretta (PA): A commune in the province of Palermo.
Torrevecchia Teatina (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Population: 1,493 (2006e).
Torricella (TA): A commune in the province of Taranto.
Torricella Peligna (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti.
Torricella Sicura (TE): A commune in the province of Teramo.
Torrioni (AV): A commune in the province of Avellino. Population: 613 (2006e).
Torrone: a popular traditional nougat confection made with honey, almonds or hazelnuts, and egg whites. There are many varieties found in different parts of Italy.
Tortiglione, Paolo: (b. 1965, in Naples). Composer.
Tortora (CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 6,040 (2006e).
Tortorella (SA): A commune in the province of Salerno.
Tortoreto (TE): A commune in the province of Teramo.
Tortorici (ME): A commune in the province of Messina.
Tossicia (TE): A commune in the province of Teramo.
Trabia (PA): A commune in the province of Palermo.
Traeis fl.: A river in ancient Bruttium, identified with the modern Trionto river in the province ov Cosenza. Its name appears to derive from the Indo-European root *dreu- (‘to run’).
Traetta, Tommaso: (b. 30 March 1727, Bitonto. d. 6 April 1779, Venice). Composer. He studied under Porpora and Durante at the Conservatory of St. Maria di Loreto in Naples. Moving to Rome, he came under the influence of Jommelli. In 1762, he was director of the Mannheim orchestra, and, in 1765, became director of the Conservatorio dell’Ospedaletto at Venice. His works include the opera Sofonisba.
Tramonti (SA): A commune in the province of Salerno.
Tramutola (PZ): A commune in the province of Potenza.
Trani (BA): A commune in the province of Bari: Population: 53,485 (2006e).
Trapani, Province of: A province of Sicily. Population: 434,738 (2007e)
Trapani (TP): A commune and provincial capital of the province of Trapani.
Trappeto (PA): A commune in the province of Palermo.
Trasacco (AQ): A commune in the province of L’Aquila. Population: 6,143 (2006e).
Trebisacce (CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 9,159 (2006e).
Trecase (NA): A commune in the province of Napoli.
Trecastagni (CT): A commune in the province of Catania. Population: 9,236 (2006e). The name means “three chestnut trees.”
The principal monument is the Chiesa Madre which was designed by Antonello Gagini. Although better known as a sculptor, Gagini skill as an architect is proven by this structure which is sometimes called “the purest Renaissance building in Sicily.”
Trecchina (PZ): A commune in the province of Potenza.
Treglio (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Population: 1,417 (2006e).
Tremestieri Etneo (CT): A commune in the province of Catania. Population: 21,321 (2006e).
Trenta (CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 2,722 (2006e).
Trentinara (SA): A commune in the province of Salerno.
Trentola-Ducenta (CE): A commune in the province of Caserta. Population: 15,493 (2006e).
Trepuzzi (LE): A commune in the province of Lecce. Population: 14,525 (2006e).
Trevico (AV): A commune in the province of Avellino. Population: 1,191 (2006e).
Tribuzio: Bishop of Capua (rAD 461-483).
Tricarico (MT): A town in the province of Matera located 65 km from Matera. Population: 6,036 (2006e); 6,115 (2004). Alt.: 698 m. Population Designation: Tricaricesi. Patron Saint: S. Potito
The origin of the town’s name is debated. According to one theory, it derives from the Latin trigarium, a racetrack for horses.
The existing town was founded in AD 849 by the Lombards as a stronghold. In 1048, the Normans made it the seat of a county.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta was constructed by Robert Guiscard in 1061. Near the town is the shrine of Santa Maria delle Fonti, the site of an annual town festival held on the 1st Sunday in May.
The frazione of Calle has its own patron saint, Madonna del Carmine (Feast Day: July 15).
Tricarico, Diocese of: A diocese in the Ecclesiastical Region of Basilicata.
Metropolitan: Potenza-Muro Lucano-Marsico Nuovo.
Conference Region: Basilicata.
Area: 1,237 km˛/ mi˛
Total Population: 39,686
Catholic Population:
Total Priests: 36 (Diocesan: 30; Religious: 6)
Permanent Deacons: 0.
Parishes: 32
History:
Tricase (LE): A commune in the province of Lecce. Population: 17,909 (2006e).
triccheballacche: A traditional Neapolitan percussion instrument. Mallets are attached to a wooden frame is create a type of wooden clapper.
Trifanum: A town of the ancient Aurunci mentioned by Livy. It was situated in the modern province of Caserta, in northern Campania, but its exact location remains uncertain.
Triggiano (BA): A commune in the province of Bari: Population: 27,310 (2006e).
trinacria: an ancient symbol depicting three bent legs joined at the thighs by a central head of Medusa to form a triangular shape. It’s three-corners are meant to represent the three points of the island of Sicily.
Trincaria: An ancient name for Sicily. It derives from the triangular shape of the island.
Trinitapoli (FG): A commune in the province of Foggia. Population: 14,396 (2006e). It is one of the three communes of the province of Foggia which will be transferred to the newly created province of Barletta-Andria-Trani in 2009.
triptych (Ital. trittico): a painting rendered on three adjoining wooden panels.
Tripi (ME): A commune in the province of Messina.
trireme: an ancient Greek warship.
Trivento (CB): A commune in the province of Campobasso. Population: 5,168 (2006e).
Trivento, Diocese of: Diocese in the Ecclesiastical Region of Abruzzo-Molise.
Metropolitan: Campobasso-Boiano.
Conference Region: Abruzzo-Molise.
Area: 1,234 km˛/ mi˛
Total Population: 56,105
Catholic Population:
Total Priests: 72 (Diocesan: 68; Religious: 4)
Permanent Deacons: 1.
Parishes: 58.
Trivento (PZ): A commune in the province of Potenza.
Troia (FG): A commune in the province of Foggia. Population: 7,310 (2006e).
Troina (EN): A commune in the province of Enna. Population: 9,832 (2006e).
trompe l’oeil: a work of art designed to trick the viewer through perspective.
Tropea (VV): A commune in the province of Vibo Valentia.
Tufara (CB): A commune in the province of Campobasso.
Tufillo (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Population: 515 (2006e).
Tufino (NA): A commune in the province of Napoli.
Tufo (AV): A commune in the province of Avellino. Population: 911 (2006e).
Tuglie (LE): A commune in the province of Lecce. Population: 5,299 (2006e).
Turans: An Etruscan goddess equivalent to the Roman Venus.
Turi (BA): A commune in the province of Bari: Population: 11,339 (2006e).
Turrivalignani (PE): A commune in the province of Pescara.
Tursi (MT): A commune in the province of Matera. Population: 5,327 (2006e).
Tursi-Lagonegro, Diocese of: A diocese in the Ecclesiastical Region of Basilicata.
Suffragans:
Metropolitan: Potenza-Muro Lucano-Marsico Nuovo.
Conference Region: Basilicata.
Area: 2,509 km˛/ mi˛
Total Population: 124,942.
Catholic Population:
Total Priests: 78 (Diocesan: 65; Religious: 13)
Permanent Deacons: 8.
Male Religious:
Female Religious:
Parishes: 71.
History:
Tusa (ME): A commune in the province of Messina.
Two Sicilies, Kingdom of the: The name Two Sicilies was used in the Middle Ages to mean the kingdoms of Sicily and of Naples. (full entry)
tyrannos (Eng. tyrant): an ancient Greek ruler who lacked hereditary rights to hold power.
This page is part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy. ← Back to the A–Z index