Encyclopedia of Southern Italy: Aq – Az
Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy.
Aq – Az
Aqua Tofana (Aqua della Tofana, Acqua Toffana, Aqua Tufania and “Manna di San Nicola”): A poisonous liquid invented in the mid-17th century. Its name derives from that of its creator, a woman from Palermo known as Tofana. Moving from her native city to Naples, she became one of the notorious members of a society called the Secret Poisoners. This poison was so toxic that a dose of only 4 to 6 drops would be enough to kill and adult and was virtually undetectable in such a small dose. After Tofara’s arrest it was found that her poison based on arsenic.
The poison became famous when an unproven rumor circulated that Mozart had died of the elixir.
Aquae Angae: Ancient baths in Bruttii, located to the NW of Lametus.
Aquae Cumanae: Ancient baths located in the Campania city of Cumae.
Aquae Labanae: Ancient baths located in Sabinium, near Nomentum.
Aquae Labodes: Ancient baths located in western Sicily. It also was known as Thermae Selenuritiae.
Aquae Teanae: Ancient baths located near Teanum (mod. Teano (CE)) in Campania. It corresponds to modern Acqua delle Caldarella
Aquara (SA): A commune (area: 32.5 km²; alt. 500m) in the province of Salerno. Located 72 km SE of Salerno, it is situated in the Cilento, near the S slope of Monte Alburno, on a height to the left of the Calore. Population: 1,705 (2007e); 1,958 (1991).
History: A major earthquake was felt here in 1910.
Points of Interest: The town has an interesting historical center.
The Benedictine convent (c1400) was the home of the Neoplatonist Father Ivone.
The principal churches are dedicated to S. Nicola di Bari, S. Rocco, Madonna del Piano, and Del Carmine.
Culture: The principal events are the feasts of S. Lucido (July 28), S. Rocco (Aug. 18-19), and the Madonna del Piano (Sept. 12).
Aquario (Lat. Aquarius), Mattia (dei Gibboni): (b. Aquara (SA); d. 1591, Naples). Dominican theologian. A leading supporter of Thomism, he taught at Turin, Naples, and Rome before settling permanently at Naples.
Aquaviva (or Acquaviva), Claudio (Claudius): (b. 1543, Naples; d. 1615). Jesuit. The son of the Duke of Atri, he joined the Jesuit Order, rising through its ranks to become their 5th General (1581-1615). He is best known as the author of Ratio Studiorum (Plan or Method of Studies) (pub. 1586).
aqueduct: The most famous aqueducts of the ancient world were those constructed by the Romans. Using their incredible skills as engineers they were able to effectively move great quantities of fresh water over distances of nearly 58 miles. Valleys and ravines were spanned with multi-tiered arched bridges and hills and ridges were pierced with tunnels. Some of these aqueducts were so well constructed that sections are still used today. This skill allowed for Roman cities to grow to sizes never before attained. Rome itself, at its height, had about 420 km (c260 miles) of aqueducts which supplied the population with about 1,000,000 cubic meters (300 million gallons) of water per day. Ancient Sicily had many aqueducts but few of the Roman style. Remains of fine Greek aqueducts can still be seen in the ancient remains at Siracusa, Termini, and Agrigento.
Aquila, L’: See L’Aquila.
Aquila, Pietro: (b. Palermo; d. 1692, Alcamo (TP)). Engraver and painter. Having spent his young adulthood as a priest, he left the clergy and turned his attention to art. His paintings can be seen at Palermo in the churches of the Pieta, Vergini, and S. Cita. Traveling to Rome, he earned a reputation as an excellent engraver. His works are displayed in many locations in Rome including the Farnese Gallery. These engravings are based on the works of Annibale Carracci, Ciro Ferri, Pietro da Cortona, and Raphael. Aquila was the brother of Francesco Faraone.
Aquila, Dell’: An important family from Benevento. Of Norman origins, they had attained a high status by c1090, deriving great wealth from several fiefs awarded to them by the Swabian rulers of the Regno. Among their titles was that of Count of Fondi. One member of the family, Loffredo Caetani, married into the Angevin royal family in 1327.
Aquila (sometimes Aquilano), Serafino dell’: (b. 1466, L’Aquila; d. 1500, Rome). Poet. The writer of several sonnets, epistles, and capitoli, he was patronized by King Ferdinand II of Naples and Cesare Borgia. His work was much admired during his lifetime.
Aquila (sometimes Dell’Acquila), Silvestro dell’: (b. 1450, L’Aquila. d. 1504). Sculptor. Principal Works: S. Sebastiano (Church of S. Maria del Soccorso, L’Aquila) [wood]: 2nd half of the 15th century. Marble Monument of Maria Pereira and Beatrice Camponeschi (Church of S. Bernardino, L’Aquila): 1490-1500.
Aquilano, l’ (AQ): A ridge of the middle valley of the river Aterno, running between the mountains of Amiternino, the Gran Sasso, the high plain of Barisciano, and the mountain chain of Ocre. The l’Aquilano consists of two principal bands averaging about 700 meters in elevation. Running between these bands is the gently-sloped valley of the river Aterno, with alttudes averaging from 580 to 670 meters. The ridge is almost entirely in the communal territory of L’Aquila, from which it derives its name.
Aquilano (sometimes dell’Aquila), Pompeo: (b. Abruzzo; fl. c1580). Fresco painter.
Aquillius, Manius: (fl. late 2nd / early 1st centuries BC). Roman magistrate and general. He served as Consul in 101 BC. In suppressing the rebel slaves in Sicily during the Second Servile War, he fought in the thick of battle and was wounded several times. In 98 BC, he was put on trial for corruption but was acquitted thanks to the defense he received from Marcus Antonius. In 88 BC, he was sent as proconsular legate to Asia, where he was captured by Mithdradates, who executed him by having molten gold poured down his throat.
Aquilo: A town in ancient Daunia-Apulia, situated on the Via Egnatina, between Equus Tuticus and Aecae.
Aquilone (Aquilo): A term for the North Wind. It was also used to generally refer to the North.
Aquilonia, Ancient (1): A town of the ancient Hirpini, corresponding to modern Lacedonia (AV). It was located on the Via Appia, between Sub Romula and Pons Aufidi.
Aquilonia, Ancient (2): A town of the ancient Pentri, in Samnium. Located near the border with Latium, to the NW of Bovianum, it corresponds to modern Agnone (IS) in Molise.
Aquilonia (AV): A commune (area: 55.62 km²; alt. 750 m) in the province of Avellino. Located 92 km ENE of Avellino, it is situated to the left of the river Vulture, near the borders with the regions of Puglia (province of Foggia) and Basilicata (province of Potenza). Population: 1,963 (2007e); 1,978 (2006e); 2,117 (2001); 2,469 (1991).
>History>: The original center was located at the now deserted site of Aquilonia Vecchio, located about 2 km NE of the modern center. The earlier town had been called Carbonara prior to 1862.
> Aquilonia Vecchia suffered major damage from earthquakes in 1910, 1915, and 1930. The modern center was heaviely damaged by the great earthquake of 1980.
Aquinas, St. Thomas: See THOMAS OF AQUINAS, ST.
Aquino (FR): (anc. Aquinum): A town and commune now part the province of Frosinone, in southern Lazio. (full entry)
Aquino, Carlo d’: (b. 1654, Naples; d. 1737, Rome). Jesuit writer. He became professor of rhetoric at the Jesuit College of Rome, where he became celebrated as the author of several Latin and Italian works. Among these were the Latin poems Carmina (1701-03) and Lexicon Militare (1724). His best-known work was a Latin verse translation of Dante’s “Divine Comedy.”
Aquino, Iacopo d’: (b. Sicily; fl. 2nd half of the 13th century). Poet and soldier. A member of the Sicilian School of poetry, he is known to have fought under Manfred at the battle of Benevento (Feb. 26, 1266). Only one of his poems survives.
Aquino, Ladislao d’: (b. c1546, Naples; d. 1631, Rome). Ecclesiastic and magistrate. A kinsman of the Counts of Aquino, he chose a religious career. In 1588 he became bishop of Venafro. From 1606 to 1613, he served as apostolic nuncio in Switerland, and, in 1616, was created a cardinal. After the death of Pope Paul V, he was considered as a possible successor but died before the conclave was concluded.
Aquino, Tommaso d’: (fl. 1st half of the 13th century). Nobleman. As Count of Acerra, he was a vassal of Emperor Frederick II. Marrying Frederick’s daughter Constance, he was also awarded with the counties of Celano and Noiano. In 1228, he accompanied Frederick in his crusade to recover Jerusalem.
Arabia, Francesco Saverio: (b. 1821, Dipignano (CS); d. 1899, Naples). Magistrate and scholar. As a youth, he participated actively in the Risorgimento movement. He later became a professor of penal law and, in 1861, became a magistrate. In 1892, he was elected to the Senate.
Aradeo (LE): A commune (area: 8.51 km²; alt. 75 m) in the province of Lecce. Located 31 km SSW of Lecce, it is situated in the Salentine Murge, to the Canale Raschione. Population: 9,779 (2006e); 9,688 (1991). The commune is agricultural, producing wine and olive oil.
History: The great earthquake of 1980 was felt here.
Aragno (AQ): A former autonomous commune it is now a frazione of the commune of L’Aquila. It is located 25 km from L’Aquila.
History: In 1532, Aragno was given as a fief to Captain Cesare Ercolani. In 1703, it suffered extensive damage from an earthquake.
Points of Interest: The principal religious monuments are the church of Santa Maria Maddalena (rebuilt in the 18th century), the church of Santa Barbara, and the chapel of Madonnella.
Aragon: A former kingdom and province comprising much of the E portion of Spain. Prior to its unification with Castile into the Kingdom of Spain, in the latter part of the 15th century, Aragon was one of the most powerful kingdoms of Europe, having an empire in the western and central Mediterranean which included the Balearic Islands, Sardinia, and, at various times, one or both of the kingdoms of Naples and Sicily. It lost much of its power as France expanded its influence into the Mediterranean.
Aragon proper was bounded on the E by Catalonia, on the S and W by Castile, and on the NW by Navarre.
Aragona: >(AG): A commune (area: 74.43 km². (full entry)
Aragona, Ferdinando D’: (fl c1600). Navigator. An Italian pirate who operated in the Mediterranean preying on Venetian ships.
Araia (Ajaia), Francesco: (b. June 25, 1709, Naples; d. 1770, Bologna). Composer and musician. Beginning his career in 1730 in Florence, he soon moved Russia, establishing himself at St. Petersburg. In 1735, he became maestro di cappella and director of a new company of Italian opera. He wrote several operas, the best-known being Cephalus and Procris (1755). In 1759 he returned to Italy and remained at Bologna for the remainder of his life.
Arangio-Ruiz, Gaetano: (b. 1857, Augusta (SR); d. 1936, Turin). Jurist. He held professorships of constitutional law at the Universities of Macerata, Modena, and Turin, and was the author of several works on law. His sons were the jurist Vincenzo Arangio-Ruiz and the philosopher Vladimiro Arangio-Ruiz.
Arangio-Ruiz, Vincenzo: (b. 1884, Naples). Jurist. He was the son of Gaetano Arangio-Ruiz and brother of Vladimiro Arangio-Ruiz. During his career he held professorships of Roman law at the Universities of Camerino, Perugia, Cagliari, Messina, Modena, Naples, and Rome. In 1932, he was a visiting scholar at the University of Egypt at Cairo. He was a member of the Committee for National Liberation in Naples in 1943, and served as Minister of Pardons and Justice and of Public Instruction in 1944-45. In 1952, he was President of the Accademia dei Lincei. He was the author of several works on Roman Law.
Arangio-Ruiz, Vladimiro: (b. 1888, Naples; d. 1952, Florence). Philosopher. He was the son of Gaetano Arangio-Ruiz and brother of Vincenzo Arangio-Ruiz. He began his academic career as a professor at the Scuola Normale Superiore at Pisa, later teaching at the University of Florence. He wrote several works advocating the philosophy of Absolute Moralism.
Arbëresh: An ethnic term for the Albanian/Greek mercenaries and refugees who settled in southern Italy and Sicily during the 15 th and 16 th centuries, and for their descendants. (full entry)
Arbërisht: The language spoken by the Arbëresh community in southern Italy.
Arbutus: A tree commonly found in Sicily.
Arcamone, Anello (or Aniello): (fl. late 15th century). Politician. He served as ambassador to the Papal Court for the Aragonese kings of Naples. A close associate of Antonello Petrucci, he participated in the Conspiracy of the Barons against King Ferdinand (Ferrante) I. When the conspiracy was crushed (1486), Arcamone was imprisoned until 1495.
Arcate (or Dirillo), Torrente: A waterway (length: 45 km) of Sicily in the provinces of Catania, Caltanisetta, and Ragusa. It is formed at Case Vascello, near Vizzini (CT), by the union of the Rio Arnerillo and the Rio di Vizzini, and flows into the Medetteranean Sea to the SE of Gela.
Archagathes (1): (fl. late 4th century BC). Syracusan noble. Son of Agathocles, the tyrant of Syracuse, he accompanied his father in the invasion of Carthaginian North Africa in 310 BC. He was the father of Archagathes (2).
Archagathes (2): (d. 289 BC). Syracusan noble. Son of Archagathes (1), he was killed in an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow his uncle, Agathocles the Younger in 289 BC.
Archangelus (or De Archangelo), Ottavio: (b. Catania; fl. 1st half of the 16th century). Poet
Archangelus of Calatafimi, Bl.: (b. Calatafimi (TP); d. 1460). Monk. After living for a time as a hermit, he joined the order of the Observant Franciscans, and spent most of the remainder of his life working to expand his order in Sicily. His cult was confirmed by Pope Gregory XVI in 1836. Feast Day: July 30.
Archbishop: Normally, a bishop holding authority over an archdiocese. In some rare cases, bishops are awarded the title of “archbishop” as a personal honorific. The title derives from the Greek words arch- (= high) and episcopos (= overseer).
Archbishop, Major: An archbishop of a major archdiocese.
Archdiocese: A religious jurisdiction over a specific geographical area. Archdioceses are of higher rank than regular dioceses and most, though not every, are Metropolitans.
Archduke: (It. Arciduca). A title of sovereignty first used in 1359, exclusively reserved for legitimate members of the Austrian Habsburgs and Lorraine-Habsburgs. They ranked above regular Dukes and Grand Dukes.
Archegates>: A title meaning “Founder”, “Guide”, or “Leader”, given to the ancient Greek god Apollo in his sanctuaries and cult centers in eastern Sicily. Thucydides (6.3.1) records that an altar devoted to Apollo Archegates was erected at Naxos at the point where the first Greek colonists came ashore on Sicily (c734 BC) by their leader Theocles. It was a common custom for ancient travelers to offer sacrifices of thanks at this shrine for a safe and successful arrival in Sicily. Apollo Archegates’ role as protector, was note limited to just sea voyages. He appears to have been considered the patron god of Naxos itself.
Archegatis>: A title occasionally given to goddesses in Greek mythology. It was the female equivalent of Archegates, having the same meaning of “Founder”, “Guide”, or “Leader.”
Archeparchy>: The equivalent of an archdiocese in an Eastern Christian Rite. See Eparchy.
Archestratus>: (fl. c350 BC). Poet. He was a native of Greek Sicily, possibly born in Gela. He was best known for his now-lost work entitled Hedupatheia (or Gastronomy) (=Good Cheer), a humorous poem about food and its preparation. Ennius used this work as a source for his Hedyphagetica. Aristotle found Archestratus’s descriptions of animals so accurate that he used his work as an important source for his own History of Animals.
Archi> (CH): A commune (area: 28.18 km²; alt. 462 m) in the province of Chieti. Located 52 km SSE of Chieti, it is situated on a hill belonging to the watershed between the river Sangro and the torrent Pianello. It is part of the Communitá Montana Valsango. Population: 2,321 (2006e); 2,336 (2001). Population Designation: Archesi. CAP: 66040. Tel. Prefix: 0872. The economy is based principally on agriculture.
History: Major earthquakes were felt here in 1706, 1933, 1979, and 1984.
Archias (1): (b. Corinth; fl. 2nd part of the 8th century BC). Founder, in c733 BC, of the city of Syracuse (Siracusa), on the E coast of Sicily. According to some sources he appears to have belonged to the Bacchiadae, the ruling family of ancient Corinth. In some versions of his story, he was guilty of murder and agreed to lead the new colonists to Sicily as a form of voluntary exile.
Archias (2): (b. Thurii; fl. late 4th century BC). Government official. Originally an actor, he was a victor at the Lernaean Games in 329 BC. He later studied rhetoric under Anaximenes and Lacritus, and was a teacher of Polus of Aegina. Entering the service of Antipater, he served that ruler as an agent for hunting down exiled Athenian politicians. For this he was given the nickname of “exile hunter.” He arrested Hypereides, Aristonicus, and Himetaeus, and forced Demothenes to commit suicide. He later fell into disgrace and died of starvation.
Archias (3): (b. Corinth; fl. c240/200 BC) Greek architect and shipwright. Working from plans created by Archimedes, Archias built the incredible ship, the Syracusia, for Geron II or Hieron II of Syracuse.
Archidamus III: (d. 338 BC). King of Sparta. A member of the Eurypontid royal line, he reigned from 360/359 to 338 BC. In 343 BC, he answered a request for help from Taras (Tarentum) which was seriously threatened by the Italic peoples. Ambitious to carve an empire for himself in southern Italy, Archidamus led a mercenary army against the Lucanians for several years with inconclusive results. He was finally killed in battle against them in 338 BC.
Archimedean Screw (or Archimedean Well): An innovative device believed to have been invented by the famous 3rd century BC scientist, engineer, mathematician Archimedes of Syracuse. The device can still be found in use today to lift water for filling garden cisterns and irrigation in southern Italy and Sicily.
Archimedes: (b. c287 BC in Syracuse; d. (full entry)
architrave> (or epistyle): In classical architecture, the lowest of the three parts of an entablature, which signifies the horizontal mass laid across the tops of the columns. Over the architrave is the frieze, and over that, the cornice. The three elements together constitute the entablature. This last term derives from the Latin trabea (= a beam).
archon: in ancient Greece, a high official or ruler. In ancient Athens, authority was divided among 9 archons, each specifically charged were certain duties. By Byzantine times, archon had become a broad general term for a member of the ruling class, including the leading citizens of a community.
Archonides I: An ancient Sikel king whose capital was at Herbita. He was an ally of Ducetius, and of the Athenians. When he died during the Athenian War many of his fellow Sikels became supporters of Syracuse.
Archonides II: An ancient Sikel king who ruled from Herbita. He was the founder of Halaesa. Archylus of Thurii: A mercenary leader under Dionysius I during his wars with the Carthaginians. Thanks to him, the Greeks were able to successfully attack and capture the Carthaginian stronghold of Motya.
Archytas of Tarentum: (b. c420 BC, Taras/Tarentum; d. (full entry)
Arcidiaconata, River: A river (length: 20 km) in Potenza Province, Basilicata. As the Torrente Varco di Chiancola it rises between the Serra Corrado (851 m). After passing Ripacandida (PZ) and Melfi (PZ), it empties its waters into the river Renaina.
Arcoleo, Giorgio: (b, 1848, Caltagirone (CT); d. 1914, Naples). Jurist and statesman. A teacher of constitutional law at the universities of Parma and Naples, he became a supporter of F. De Sanctis. After being appointed to the Italian Chamber of Deputies, he served several times as Undersecretary of State. In 1902, be entered the Senate.
arcosolio: An arched recess with a tomb under it in a cave sepulcher. They are very common at sites like Syracuse and Agrigentum.
Arcuccio, Angellillo: (fl. 2nd half of the 15th century). Painter. From 1464 to 1492, he produced works in and around Naples. Among his best works are a pair of altarpieces in the cathedral of Aversa, one depicting the Madonna and Child, and the other showing the Martyrdom of S. Sebastiano (dated to 1468). These paintings show strong links to the Venetian School of painting.
Arcudi, Alessandro Tommaso: (b. 1655, Galatina (LE); d. 1718). Satirical Writer. His best-known work was The Anatomy of Hypocrites (1699).
Arditi, Marchese Michele: (b. Sept. 29, 1745, Presicca, Campania; d. Apr. 23, 1838). Archaeologist and composer. Having studied music under Niccolo Jommelli, he composed the opera Olimpiade, sacred and secular cantatas, motets, symphonies, overtures, orchestral arias, and piano sonatas.
Ardizzon (or Ardizzoni): (d. 1699, Naples). Writer.
Ardizzone, Gerolamo: (b. 1824, Palermo; d. 1893, Palermo). Scholar and poet. His romantic style verses include L’arpe, Il trovatore, and La viola. As a scholar he translated the Greek works of Sappho and Anacreon into both Italian and Sicilian, and founded, in 1860, the Giornale di Sicilia. In this journal he published studies of poets like Byron, Moore, Camöes, and Chateaubriand.
Ardoin (: Arduin ) : (fl. 11 th century). (full entry)
Ardore (formerly Adore, Odore)(RC): A commune (area: 32.69 km²; alt. 250 m) in the province of Reggio Calabria. Located 94 km ENE of Reggio di Calabria, it is situated on a small spur near the Ionian coast of Calabria, to the right of the river Condoianni. Population: 5,037 (1991); 7,866 (1951). The economy is agricultural, with the principal product being olive oil.
History: The town’s name derives from the Italian word odore (= ordor, scent), and was so-named because of the many flowers growing in the area.
Major earthquakes were felt here in 1783, 1894, 1905, 1907, 1908, and 1978.
Points of Interest: There are remains of a feudal castle.
Arechis (Arigis, Aretchis; Ital: Arechi) I of Benevento: (b. in Friuli; d. AD 641). Duke of Benevento (AD 591-641). A relative of the dukes of Friuli, it is thought that he might have been the nephew of his predecessor Zotto. Although appointed by the Lombard King Agilulf, Arechis was effectively an independent ruler.
Arechis expanded his power, capturing Capua and Venafro, as well as parts of Basilicata and Calabria. Although he was unable to capture Naples, Salerno fell to his attack.
After a remarkably long reign (50 years), he died and was succeeded by his son Aiulf.
Arechis (Aretchis, Arichis, Aregis; Ital: Arechi) II of Benevento: (d. AD 792). Duke of Benevento (r758-774); Prince of Benevento (r774-792). Son and successor of Liutrand, he unsuccessfully attempted to claim the Lombard crown in 774, but was able secure the title of the independent Prince of Benevento. He ruled without a suzerain until 787 when he submitted to Charlemagne. He was succeeded in 792 by his son Grimoald.
Arena (VV): A commune (area: 32.35 km²; alt: 496 m) in the province of Vibo Valentia. Located 28 km SE of Vibo Valentia, it is situated on the Tyrrhenian slopes of the Serre, in hilly terrain to the right of the torrent Potriano. Population: 2,069 (1991). The commune is mostly agricultural, producing wine and olive oil.
History: The Normans established the center as the seat of an important county, and was one of the centers that revolted against the Aragonese during the unsuccessful Revolt of the Barons. Throughout most of its history it was held as a fief by various noble families, including the Concluberts, the Acquaviva, and the Caracciolo di Gioiosa.
Arena, River: A river (length: 43 km) in SW Sicily. Rising near Salemi (TP), it flows to the SW, emptying into the Mediterranean just S of Mazara del Vallo (TP).
Arena, Rivo dell’: A channel (length: 8 km) in Campania. Rising near Castellabate (Madonna della Scala), it empties into the Tyrrhenian Sea near Torre Arena (SA).
Arena, Celestino: (b. 1890, Pizzoni (VV)). Economist. In 1934, he obtained the post of professor of financial science at the universities of Pisa, Naples, and Rome. His principal works include: Corso di economia del lavoro (3 vols, 1933-35), La teoria della finanza pubblica (1945), and Manuale di scienza delle finanza (1952).
Arena, Filippo: (b. 1708, Piazza Armerina (EN); d. 1789, Rome). Botanist and mathematician. A Jesuit, he taught mathematics at the schools belonging to his order. His principal work, La natura e coltura dei fiori (1767-68), included accurate descriptions of biological phenomena, especially in the fields of pollination and hybridization of plants.
Arena, Giuseppe: (b. 1713, in Malta; d. Nov. 6, 1784, Naples). Composer of instrumental, chamber and vocal music. His operas include Achille in Sciro (1738); La clemenza di Tito (1738); Il vello d’oro (1740); Artaserse (1741); Tigrane (1741); Farnace (1742); and Il vecchio deluso (1746).
Aresas: (b. Lucania; fl. 5th century BC). Pythagorean philosopher. He is variously described as a Lucanian and a native of Croton. Succeeding Tydas as the head of the Pythagorean School, he was the sixth in line after Pythagoras himself. Some sources identify him as the author of a work entitled “About Human Nature”, of which a fragment is preserved by Stobaeus.
Arete: (d. 354/353 BC). Noblewoman. (full entry)
Arethusa: (Grk Arethousa ): a Nereid nymph in ancient Sicily who watched over a spring of the same name, on the island of Ortygia (Syracuse). (full entry)
Arethusa, Fountain of: A celebrated fountain in ancient Syracuse, connected with the myth of the nymph Arethusa and the river god Alphaeus. Unlike many ancient fountains, that of Arethusa still flows strongly today. The name means “the Waterer.”
Arezzo, Claudio Mario (Lat. Claudius Marius Aretius): (b. 1500, Siracusa; d. 1575). Humanist scholar. He served as imperial historian to Emperor Charles V, whom he accompanied on campaigns in Italy and Germany. Among his works is the Chorographia sive de Situ Siciliae Libellus (1537), a description of Sicily.
Arezzo, Bl. Paolo Burali d’: (b. 1511, Ita, near Gaeta; d. 1578, Naples). Ecclesiastic. After practicing law in Naples for a decade, he became a Royal Counselor in 1549. He remained in that post until 1558, when he resigned to enter the Theatine order. Thanks to his legal talents and background, he rose through the ranks of the order to become the head of the Theatine houses at Naples and Rome. After serving as bishop of Piacenza, he was appointed a Cardinal by Pope Pius V. In 1576, he became archbishop of Naples, serving in that position until his death two years later. During his career, he was an opponent of the Inquisition in Italy. In 1772, he was beatified by Pope Clement XIV. Feast Day: June 17.
Argatóne, Monte: A mountain peak (2,151 m) of the Abruzzian Apennines. Located in the Montagna Grande, it lies between the valleys of the rivers Sangro and Sagittario, at the edge of the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo.
Argentino, River: A river of Calabria. Its course, which is a Riserva naturale protetta (natural protected reserve), passes through the Parco del Pollino.
Argento, Gaetano: (b. 1662, Cosenza; d. 1730, Naples). Jurist. He was the author of several works on law. In 1708, he was appointed to the judicial office of Regent of the Collaterale, the highest court in the Kingdom of Naples. In 1714, Emperor Charles V appointed him president of the royal council (Sacro reale Consiglio), along with the title of duke.
argismo: A Sicilian version of the tarantella healing ritual. The term derives from the Italian argia (= spider).
Argoli, Andrea: (b. c1570, Kingdom of Naples; d. c1650). Mathematician. He was professor of mathematics at the University of Padua. Among his many works was an Ephemerides, a catalog of astronomical positions extending to the year 1700. He was father of the poet Giovanni Argoli.
Argoli, Giovanni: (b. c1610; d. c1660). Poet. At age 16 he wrote Endymion (1626). Among his other works include treatises on classical antiquities, the most important being a series of notes on Onuphrius Panvinius’ De Ludis Circensibus (“On the Games of the Circus”) and De Triumphis (“On Triumphs”) (1642).
Argusto (CZ): A commune (area: 7.12 km²; alt. 530 m) in the province of Catanzaro. Located 49 km SSW of Catanzaro, it is situated to the left of the river Ancinale. Population: 558 (2006e); 555 (2001); 613 (1991). The commune includes several vineyards.
History: Major earthquakes were felt here in 1659, 1783, 1905, 1908, and 1947.
Argyrippa: Ancient name for Arpi (FG).
Argyros: (Ital: Argiro): (b. cAD 1000; d. (full entry)
Ari (CH): A commune (Area: 11.26 km²; Alt. 289 m) in the province of Chieti. Located 20 km SE of Chieti, it is situated on a spur to the right of the river Dentolo. Population: 1,319 (2006e); 1,319 (2001); 1,413 (1991). CAP: 66010. Tel. Prefix: 0817. Part of the Comunitá Montana Valsango. The economy is strictly agricultural.
History: Major earthquakes struck here in 1933 and 1984.
Culture: The feast of the Ascension is celebrated with a procession which is a survival of an ancient pre-Christian purification rite.
Ariano di Puglia: Former name of Ariano di Puglia)(AV).
Ariano Irpino: (formerly Ariano di Puglia)(AV): A commune (Area: 185.52 km²; alt. (full entry)
Ariano Irpino – Lacedonia, Diocese of:
Suffragans:
Metropolitan: Benevento.
Conference Region: Campania.
Area: 781 km²/ mi²
Total Population: 73,390.
Catholic Population:
Total Priests: 75(Diocesan: 57; Religious: 18)
Permanent Deacons: 0
Male Religious:
Female Religious:
Parishes: 43
History:
Arielli (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Area: 11.51 km². Alt. 285 m. Population: 1,190 (2006e); 1,250 (2001). CAP: 66030. Tel. Prefix: 0871.
Arienzo (CE): A commune in the province of Caserta. Population: 5,276 (2006e).
Arienzo, Nicola D’: (b. Dec. 24, 1842, Naples; d. Apr. 25, 1915, Naples). Operatic Composer.
Arigisus: (date uncertain). Ecclesiastic. He was the first known bishop of Caiazzo. Since his name is Germanic he can date no earlier than the beginning of the 7th century when the Lombards occupied that region of Campania.
Aristaeus (Aristaios) (1): An ancient Sicilian nature god who presided over flocks, bees, vineyards, olive groves. He was the son of the god Bacchus and he was often worshipped at his father’s temples. His connection with olives (or more correctly with olive oil) led to him becoming a favorite for ancient athletes and sports fans. Aristaeus was considered so important to the people of ancient Syracuse that the theft of his cult statue by the unscrupulous Roman governor Verres became one of the principal charges filed against him by Cicero.
Aristaeus (Aristaios) (2): A mythological giant, son of the earth mother goddess Gaia. He survived the war between the gods and giants by being turned into a dung-beetle and hidden on Aetna on the island of Sicily. He is sometimes called Aitnaios kantharos (= dung-beetle of Etna).
Aristides: >See Adrian (2).
Aristippus of Cyrene: (b. 421 BC). The founder of the Cyrenaic school of philosophy. Although a native of Cyrene (mod. Libya), he was long a member of the court of Dionysius I at Syracuse.
Aristodemus: (fl. early 6th Century BC). Tyrant of Cumae. Born into the noble class in the ancient Greek city of Cumae, in 504 BC, he led an Greek army of 2,000 soldiers north to Aricia in Latium to support the Latins against the Etruscans under Arruns, son of King Porsenna of Clusium. After achieving a victory, Aristodemus returned to Cumae where he made himself tyrant of the city. The oligarchic constitution was suspended and new popular reforms were instituted. The former oligarchs were forced to flee, many of them taking refuge at Capua. For the next 20 years, these exiles and their offspring carried on a guerrilla war against Aristodemus. Eventually, Aristodemus was assassinated and the exiled aristocrats were able to return to Cumae where they reestablished their rule.
Aristomache: The wife of Dionysius I. Following the downfall of her son-in-law, Dion, she was murdered while trying to escape from Syracuse by sea.
Aristophenes: a Greek comic playwright of the 4th century BC; his plays include a skewering of Socrates and the sophists in The Clouds, the gender power reversal play Lysistrata and the pro-peace play The Acharnians; Aristophanes was also a character in Plato’s The Symposium, where he suggested that people in love were two halves of the same body that had been split in two.
Aristotle: (b. 384 BC in Stagira, Macedonia; d. 322 BC in Chalcis, Euboea). Philosopher, natural scientist and tutor of Alexander the Great He moved to Athens in 367 BC where he became a student of Plato and developed a curiosity with natural phenomena. After the death of Plato, he returned to his native Macedonia, where he was appointed as tutor to Prince Alexander, the future Alexander the Great. In 335 BC, he returned to Athens where he founded the Lyceum (Peripatetic school). He was author of the Poetics, The Metaphysics, Nicomachean Ethics, and several other works. In 323, his connections to Macedonia made him flee to Chalcis, Euboea, where he died at the age of 63. Upon Aristotle’s death in 322 BC, Theophrates became head of the Lyceum.
Aristoxenus: (fl. 350 BC): Philosopher. A pupil of Plato, he wrote principally on music theory. His chief work was Elements of Harmony.
Armento (PZ): A commune in the province of Potenza.
Arnesano (LE): A commune in the province of Lecce. Population: 3,709 (2006e).
Arpaia (BN): A commune in the province of Benevento. Population: 1,943 (2007e); 1,913 (2006e).
Arpaise (BN): A commune in the province of Benevento. Population: 870 (2007e); 887 (2006e).
Arpino (anc. Arpinum)[CE]: a town in Campania, located 88 miles SE of Rome. It is situated on the site of ancient Arpinum. The town is the birthplace of several notable figures including two ancient Rome’s greatest leaders: Gaius Marius (b. 157 BC) and Marcus Vipsanius Agrippa (b. 63 BC), and the Renaissance artist Giuseppe Cesari (b. c1568). Arpino is a traditional center for the manufacturing of woolens, leather-goods, and paper. Marble quarrying is also practiced.
arrabbiata: hot peppers used in the cuisine of Calabria, Abruzzo, Molise and Lazio. Its name translates to mean “angry style.”
Arrigo, Girolamo: (b. Apr. 2, 1930, Palermo). Composer. He wrote the operas Orden (1969) and Addio Garibaldi (1972).
Artemis: Greek goddess often identified with the Roman-Italic Diana. An early Sikan deity sometimes identified with Artemis had a megalithic temple located near the modern Sicilian town of Cefalu dating to c800 BC. An early Doric Greek temple located at Syracuse has been attributed to Artemis, or to her brother Apollo. On the Italian mainland other temples to Artemis were built by the Greeks, including one in Campania on the promontory near Agropoli.
artichoke: The artichoke has been associated for centuries with Sicily and there are some sources which that the vegetable first originated on the island. Ancient Greek and Roman art show a purple flower that may be that of the artichoke. Others belief that it was brought to Sicily by the Saracens since its name is known be Arabic in origin. Different sources cite somewhat different base words for the name (kharshuff, alharchaf, ardi shauki, or ardi shauk) all of which mean “ground-thorn.”
The first globe artichokes were first cultivated in Naples in the mid-15th century. They were brought to France by Catherine de’Medici (1519-1589), the queen-consort of King Henry II. From there they were soon brought to England. They eventually were brought to the Americas by French and Spanish immigrants.
Artipalda (AV): A commune in the province of Avellino. Population: 11,206 (2007e).
Arsita (TE): A commune in the province of Teramo.
Artume: Etruscan goddess of night and darkness. She also had the attributes of a nature goddess and had similarities to Artemis.
Arzano (NA): A commune in the province of Napoli.
As (pl. asses): a large ancient Roman copper coin weighing about 12 ounces (1 Roman pound).
Ascanius: In mythology, the son of the Trojan hero Aeneas and Creusa. He accompanied his father on the journey to the west after the fall of Troy. He was said to have received his training as a warrior while the refugees lingered in Sicily, and accompanied his father when they continued on to Italy. Also known as Iulus, it was claimed that the Roman Julian gens derived their name from his, claiming him as their ancestor.
Ascea (SA): A commune in the province of Salerno.
Ascelettin (Ascletin, Asclettino) Drengot: (d. AD 1045). Count of Aversa (1045). Son of Asclettin, count of Acerenza, and brother of Rainulf Drengot, he succeeded the latter as Count of Aversa, but died after ruling only a few months. He was succeeded by his cousin Rainulf Trincanocte.
Asclepius (Lat: Aesculapius): Ancient Greek god of medicine and healing. His origins are somewhat disputed and several ancient and modern scholars alike contend that his myth may have been based on more than one person. Cicero, in fact, wrote that the myth of Asclepius was based on three personages. Whatever the case Asclepius became the patron of physicians and his temples and shrines where found throughout the ancient Greek world. In Magna Graecia, cities like Croton, where there was an important school of medicine, paid Asclepius particular honor.
Ascoli Satriano (FG): A commune in the province of Foggia. Population: 6,309 (2006e).
Ascone, Vicente: (b. Aug. 16, 1897, Siderno (RC); d. Mar. 5, 1979, Montevideo). Composer. He wrote the opera Paraná Guazú (1931).
Ashtaroth: Anancient Punic goddess identified with the Greek Aphrodite and the Roman Venus. She was worshipped by the Carthaginians in Sicily.
asinello (=donkey, ass): The humble donkey had played an important role in Sicilian culture and history as both a beast of bunden and of transportation. Besides the common donkey, two other varieties are found on Sicily, the large Pantelleria ass and the small Sardinian ass. The latter, about the size of a large dog, is a favorite for street peddlers. They stand about 36” and under at the wither.
Aspa, Mario: (b. 1799, Messina; d. Dec 14, 1868, Messina). Composer. His works include the operas I due savojardi (1838), Paolo e Virginia (1843), Il Muratore di Napoli (1850), and Piero di Calais (1872).
asparagus: There are three varieties of asparagus found growing on Sicily. Besides the common garden variety, the wild version of the same, the asparago selvaggio, has a bitter taste. The third variety, the sparagi di trono, is actually a version of butcher’s broom, but bears a close physical resemblance to asparagus. This last plant is often used in Sicily for hedges.
asphodel: A wild flower common in Sicily, belonging to the order of Liliaceae. Three varieties are found on the island, the two most common bearing pink blossoms and the third a yellow variety.
Asprenus, St.: The earliest known bishop of Naples. The dates of his tenure are unknown. He was succeeded by St. Epitimitus.
Assanti, Ligorio: (fl. c1341). Navigator. An Italian member of the Knights of Rhodes.
Assia, Frederico Langravio D’: (fl. c1640). Navigator. He served as Captain General of the Galleys of the Knights of Malta.
Assinarus (or Assinaro), River: (mod. Falconara). A river running near Noto. It was the site where Nicias, the Athenian general, was defeated and captured along with the remnants of his army by the Syracusans in 413 BC.
Assoro> (EN): (anc. Assarus, Assorus). A commune in the province of Enna. Population: 5,335 (2006e).
A mountain town in Sicily. Founded by the Sikels, it was able to retain its original culture for much longer than other native towns in the face of hellenization. The population was also able to successfully prevent the Roman governor Verres from plundering the town.
Asta, Andrea dell’: (b. 1673, Naples; d. 1721). Painter. A student of Francesco Solimena, he visited Rome where he studied the works of Raphael. Among his works are two paintings in the church of S. Agostino (Naples): a Nativity and an Adoration of the Magi.
Astarita (Astaritta), Gennaro: (b. 1747, Naples; d. 1803). Composer. During his career he composer about 20 operas.
Asteas: (fl. c350-320 BC). Vase-Painter. Considered to be one of the most important Greek vase-painters of Paestum, he is one of only two such south Italian artists to sign his work. The principal artist in a large workshop, he may have been the inventor of free-standing half-palmettes, used to frame an image, a characteristic of Paestan vase-painting. He decorated hydriai and kraters, as well as some smaller vases, in the red-figure technique. Asteas painted mythological, theatrical scenes and Dionysian, as well as groups of two or three draped youths. He followed the common practice of his time of inscribing labels for the figures he depicted.
Asterope: An Oceanid nymph, daughter of Oceanus and Tethys. She was worshipped at Akragas in Sicily where she was held to be the mother, by Zeus, of the city’s mythological founder and namesake. It is thought that she may have originally been considered a Naiad, goddess of the local spring or fountain of the city. Her name means “Starry-Eyed”, deriving from the Greek words aster (star) and ops (eye).
Astorga, Emanuele Baron d’ (Gioacchino Cesare Rincón): (b. Mar. 20, 1680, Augusta (SR); d. 1757, Madrid). Composer. Among his works were the operas La moglie nemica (1698), Dafni (1709), and Amor tirannico (1710).
ate: An expression (literally meaning “You There”) used by Sicilian drivers to anyone in his way. The expression long predates the automobile.
Ateleta (AQ): A commune in the province of ‘Aquila. Population: 1,227 (2006e).
Atella (Osc. Aderl; mod.Castellone di Sant’Arpino [CE]) (1): An ancient town in northern Campania. It’s name in Oscan was Aderl.
Atella: (PZ): A commune in the province of Potenza, located 39 km from Potenza. (full entry)
Atella, Fiumara d’: A river (length: 25 km) in the province of Potenza. It rises on the Monte Caruso (1,239 m) in several branches (Varco di Livio, Valle del Salice, Valle Lamarone).
Atena Lucana (SA): A commune in the province of Salerno.
Aternum: Ancient name for Pescara.
Atessa (CH): A commune in the province of Chieti. Area: 111.46 km². Alt. 433 m. Population: 10,495 (2006e); 10,388 (2001). CAP: 66041. Tel. Prefix: 0872. Population Designation: Atessani. Part of the Comunitá Montana Valsangro and the Association Nazionale Citta del Vino.
Atenulf I of Capua: (d. AD 910). Count of Capua (rAD 887-910) and Prince of Benevento (rAD 899-910).
Athanasius I, St.: (b. cAD831; d. July 15, 872). (Bishop of Naples 850-872). He was the son of Marino I (Duke of Naples) and brother of Gregory III (Duke of Naples 865-870).
Athanasius (Atanasio) II “of Younger”: (d. AD 898). Bishop and Duke of Naples (AD 877-898). Son of Gregory III (Duke of Naples AD 865-870). He deposed and blinded his elder brother Sergius II (r870-877), seizing control of the duchy from him. He was succeeded as Bishop of Naples by his younger brother Stephen (Stefano).
Athena: Greek goddess of Wisdom and warfare. (full entry)
Athenagoras: The leader of the party in the ancient Syracusan assembly which opposed Hermocrates. He refused to support any notion of building the defenses of Syracuse despite the impending threat of Athenian invasion.
Atlantes (or Telamons): The male equivalent of Caryatides used in supporting the architraves of ancient temples.
Atrabanashi: an Arabic name for the city of Trapani, on the west coast of Sicily.
Atrani (SA): A commune in the province of Salerno.
Atri (TE): A commune in the province of Teramo.
Atripalda (AV): A commune in the province of Avellino. Population: 11,206 (2007e); 11,234 (2006e).
Atrium (1)>: An architectural term. It was the principal entrance hall or chamber of an ancient Roman house. It normally served as a reception room. The typical atrium was lit by sunlight through a hole in the roof (the compluvium); rainwater that might fall through this hole would be caught in a central pool called an impluvium. In the houses of the wealthy, an atrium might be surrounded by a colonnade.
Atrium (2)>: An open area or court in front of a church.
Atunis: The Etruscan counterpart of the Greek Adonis. He was a companion of the love-goddess Turan (the Etruscan Venus).
Aufugum: (poss. modern Moltalto Uffugo [CS]). An ancient Bruttian settlement. It is believed that its name is Bruttian in nature and derives from the Indo-European root *eudh- (=udder, fecund).
Augusta: >(SR): (formerly Agosta). (full entry)
Augustus: (C. Octavius; Octavian): (b. (full entry)
Auletta (SA): A commune in the province of Salerno.
Auletta, Pietro: (b. 1698, S. Angelo; d. Sept. 1771). Composer. He composed over a dozen operas between 1726 and 1759.
Aurelian (Lucius Domitius Aurelianus): (b. Sept. 9, AD 214, near Sirmium, Pannonia; d. AD 275). Roman Emperor (rAD 270-275). An effective general, he was known as the “Restorer of the World” because he was able to reunite those parts of the Empire (Gaul, the East) which had earlier split away, as well as win notable victories over barbarian invaders. He was responsible for building the last ancient fortification wall around the city of Rome. While preparing for a great expedition to the east, Aurelian was assassinated by one of his own men while encamped near Byzantium.
Auria, Vincenzo: (b. 1625, Palermo; d. Dec 6, 1710). Historian. His principal work was Historia delli Vicerè di Sicilia dal 1409 al 1697.
Aurisicchio (Eurisicchio), Antonio: (b. 1710, Napoli; d. Sept. 4, 1781, Rome). Composer. He composed about 7 operas.
Aurispa, Giovanni (John): (b.1369, in Noto; d. 1459, Ferrara). Scholar and historian. Arriving at Constantinople in 1418, he spent many there studying the Greek language and classics. He became a notable collector of Greek manuscripts, acquiring a library of 238 such documents he brought to Venice. Economic necessity forced him to sell most of this collection until Cosimo de’Medici learned of his situation. Cosimo purchased the manuscripts back for him and brought him to Florence. In 1438, Aurispa attended the Council of Basil where he met Pope Eugene IV, who hired him as his secretary. He served Eugene’s successor, Nicholas V, in a similar capacity and was awarded two wealthy abbacies. Aurispa is considered one of the principal promoters of the revival of Greek studies in Renaissance Italy.
Aurunci: An ancient Indo-European Italic people who lived in southern Italy from c1000 BC. They spoke a dialect of Oscan. The Aurunci controlled the territory south of the Volsci, near Rocca Monfina, between the rivers Liri and Volturno. The Romans described them as having no significant cities or towns, preferring to live in hill-top villages built for defense. They had a long history of hostility with the Romans who did not succeed in subjecting them until 313 BC. Many sources confuse them with the Ausoni (Ausones). In fact they are separate tribes, but may have had a common origin.
The Aurunci are remembered in the names of the Aurunci Mountains and the city of Sessa Aurunca.
Ausones (Ausoni): An ancient Italic people of southern Italy often confused with the Aurunci, with whom they may have shared a common ancestry. (full entry)
Ausonia>: an ancient name in its broadest form for Italy, and in its narrower, and more correct, form for Campania. In recent times, Ausonia has become a symbolic socio-political name for southern Italy.
Auster (Austro)>: a name for the South Wind, and, more generally, for the South.
Auteri Manzocchi, Salvatore>: (b. Dec 26, 1845, Palermo; d. Feb. 21, 1925, Parma). Composer. He wrote at least seven operas.
Autpert Ambrose>: See Autpertus.
Autpertus> (Ambrosius) (Autpert Ambrose): (b. in the early 8th century in Provence; d. AD 778 or 779). Benedictine abbot. Of Frankish descent, he appears to have been a successful member of the royal Frankish court. Some sources claim that he was a favorite of King Pepin, a tutor of Charlemagne, and an arch-chancellor at Charlemagne’s court. Others, however, deny that he held such important posts. It is agreed that he because abbot of the Benedictine monastery of San Vincenzo, beside the river Volturno. This appointment led to such dissent at the monastery that both Pope Stephen III and Charlemagne were forced to intervene. Autpertus, during his religious career, wrote several works (commentaries on the Bible, biographies of saints, etc.) although only a handful has survived to the modern times.
Auxiliary Bishop: An assistant to the principal bishop of a diocese. The powers and responsibilities of auxiliaries vary considerably, depending on the wishes of principal bishop. Auxiliary bishops are normally assigned historical “titular” sees which are no longer in existence.
Avella, Ancient (or Abella, Abellanus, Avellanus, Avella Vecchia): An ancient Campanian city located NE of Nola. (full entry)
Avella (AV): A commune in the province of Avellino. Population: 7,782 (2007e); 7,785 (2006e).
Avellino, Province of: A province in the region of Avellino. Area: 2,792 km². Population: 437,414 (2006e); 429,178 (2001); 438,812 (1991); 421,766 (1901).
History: Formerly part of Principato Ultra.
Avellino: A city and commune in northern Campania. Provincial capital of the province of Avellino. Area: 30.41 km². Population: 56,908 (2007e); 56,928 (2006e); 52,703 (2001) 55,662 (1991); 56,892 (1981).
Avellino, Diocese of:
Suffragans:
Metropolitan: Benevento
Conference Region: Campania
Area: 394 km²/ mi²
Total Population: 158,424
Catholic Population:
Total Priests: 97(Diocesan: 72; Religious: 25)
Permanent Deacons: 11
Male Religious:
Female Religious:
Parishes: 64.
History:
Aventino, River: A river (length: 45 km) rising on M. Porrara in the province of Chieti.
Avernus lacus (Mod. Lago di Averno): A lake in Campania near Naples. Most sources claim that the name derives from the Greek aornos (= “without birds”), and is connected with an ancient belief that birds flying over the lake will fall dead from sulfurous fumes. There is another theory, however, that suggests that the name is pre-Greek and derives from the Indo-European root *(a)uer-, with a more benign meaning of “water”, “rain”, or “flow.”
According to mythology Lake Avernus was the site of Odysseus’s descent into the underworld.
Aversa (CE): A commune in the province of Caserta. Area: 8.73 km². Population: 52,857 (2006e); 53,369 (2001); 54,032 (1991); 56,425 (1981).
Aversa, Diocese of:
Suffragans:
Metropolitan: Napoli
Conference Region: Campania
Area: 361 km²/ mi²
Total Population: 550,512.
Catholic Population:
Total Priests: 213(Diocesan: 190; Religious: 23)
Permanent Deacons: 18
Male Religious:
Female Religious:
Parishes: 92
History:
Avetrana (TA): A commune in the province of Taranto.
Avezzano (AQ): A commune in the province of ‘Aquila. Population: 39,705 (2006e).
Avezzano, Diocese of: A bishopric in the ecclesiastical region of Abruzzo-Molise. It is a suffragan of L’Aquila.
Avigliano (PZ): A town in Basilicata. Population: 12,025 (2001).
Avola (SR): A commune in the province of Siracusa.
Avossa (d’Avossa), Giuseppe: (b. 1708, Paola (CS); d. Jan. 9, 1796, Naples). Composer. His works include the operas Don Saverio (1744), Lo scolaro alla moda (1748),
Azetium: A city in ancient Apulia (mod. Rutigliano [BA]).
Azopardi, Francesco: (b. 5 May 1748 at Rabat, Malta. d. 6 Feb 1809). Composer and music teacher. He studied music in Malta and in Naples where he became a celebrity for his piano and organ playing, orchestra conducting as well as for his compositions. Azopardi was a prolific composer and an excellent music teacher. He wrote a scientific treatise on music entitled “Il Musico Pratico” which was translated into French and introduced into the syllabus of the Royal Conservatory of Paris in 1778. Cherubini in his “Course of Counterpoint and Fugue” quotes some interesting examples from this work. Azopardi also wrote “L’Origine delle regole della musica.” He also composed a large number of sacred works including the oratorio “La Passione di Cristo.”
Albanian-Arbëresh Communities in Southern Italy: ABRUZZO: Pescara Province : Villa Badessa (Badhesa) (fraz. (full entry)
Albanian-Arbëresh Communities in Southern Italy: ABRUZZO: Pescara Province : Villa Badessa (Badhesa) (fraz. (full entry)