Encyclopedia of Southern Italy: Aa – Ad
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Aa – Ad
A: In the ancient Roman world, A usually stood for the praenomen Aulus. In many inscriptions it stood for the singular title Augustus; AA meant duo Augusti (two Augusti); AAA meant tres Augusti (three Augusti); etc.
Aaron ben Gershon Abu Al-Rabi of Catania: (fl. 1400-1450). Sicilian-Jewish scholar, cabalist, and astrologer. Having been educated at Treviso, he was well-acquainted with the various scientific and philosophical controversies of his time. He was an excellent grammarian and had a good working knowledge of the Arabic language. He was also familiar with the practice of astrology and the tenets of the Cabala. During his lifetime he traveled widely through the lands bordering the eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea, making many connections with influential Jewish and Christian leaders and scholars, including Pope Martin V.
Abacaenum (Greek: Abakainon) (see full page)
Abagnole, Giuseppe: [b. Nov. 25, 1816, Casole, [NA]. d. Feb. 13, 1869, Aversa [CE]]. Patriot. He was a member of Garibaldi’s Mille (Thousand) in 1860.
Abamonti, (or Abbamonte), Giuseppe: (see full page)
Abarbanel (Abravanel): A Jewish family which flourished in the Kingdom of Naples in the 15th and 16th centuries. Their ranks included prominent merchants, bankers, scholars, and philosophers. Originally centered in Spain and Portugal, they fled into exile in southern Italy when the Inquisition was imposed in 1492. Two of their members, the brothers Giuseppe and Giacomo Abarbanel, created a commercial network throughout Apulia, Basilicata, and Calabria. When, in 1510, the new Spanish government in Naples issued a decree of expulsion against the Jews, the Abarbanel family was able to successfully bribe court officials into granting them special exemption.
Abarbanel (Abravanel), Isaac: (b. 1437 in Lisbon. d. (full entry)
Abarbanel: See Abrabanel.
Abate (sometimes Abbate): A prominent Sicilian family. Becoming feudal lords of Carina in 1293, they later obtained the title of Barons of Uria (1453). One branch of the family held the title of Marchese of Lungarini.
Abate, St. Adamo: (b. cAD 990 in Petazio (mod. Petacciato [CB]); d. May 3, between 1060 and 1070). Benedictine abbot. He was a strong supporter of the unification of southern Italy under Roger II. Feast Day: June 3.
Abate (or Abbate), Andrea Belvedere: (b. 1642 or 1652, Naples; d. June 26, 1732]. Painter. Centered in Naples, he specialized in depictions of natural history and still life. He was particularly well-known for his paintings of flowers and his style anticipates the approaching European Rococo.
Abate, Gennaro: (b. Apr. 1, 1874, Bitonto [BA]). Composer. His works consist of operas, symphonies, and chamber music.
Abate, Onofrio: (b. 1824, Palermo. d. 1915, Cairo). Physician and naturalist. A specialist in ophthalmology, he traveled to Egypt in 1845, where he became director of the government hospital at Alexandria. After 1882, he came to be known as Abate Pascià. The author of a number of medical works, he also wrote on the Egyptian economic and sanitation systems, the history of science, and Egyptian archaeology and geography.
Abatellis, Francesco: (fl. 2nd half of the 15th century). Harbor master (Maestro Portulano) of the kingdom of Sicily, Praetor of the city of Palermo. He is best-known for his fine home in Palermo, the Palazzo Abatellia (or Palazzo Patella), designed and built by Matteo Carnelivari between 1488 and 1495. After the death of Abatellis, the building was transformed into a monastery, remaining such until 1867. It is now the home of the Palazzo Abatellis Sicilian Regional Gallery.
Abate Pascià: See Onofrio Abate.
Abba, Giuseppe Cesare: (b. Oct. 6, 1838, Cairo Montenotte [SV]), Liguria. d. Nov. 6, 1910, Brescia [BS]). Diarist, novelist, short story writer. A member of Garibaldi’s Mille (Thousand), he published an excellent account of the 1860 conquest of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. This subject formed the premise for the poem Arrigo: da Quarto al Volturno (publ. 1866) as well as for two diaries: Noterelle di uno dei Mille edite dopo vent’anni (Notes by one of the Mille twenty years later)(1880) and Da Quarto al Volturno: Noterelle d’uno dei Mille (From Quarto to Volturno: Notes by one of the Mille), [1891].
Abbadelli: See Abbatelli.
Abbadessa: A noble family in Sicily. Originating in Florence, they appear to have arrived in Palermo during the reign of Frederick III (r1295-1337). Nicolo Abbadessa served that king as a royal percettore (collector) and then governor of the Camera Reginale. His descendents, Corrado and Andrea Abbadessa, both served in the post of governor of Vizzini under Charles V in the 16th Century.
Abbadia: See Badia.
Abbagnano, Nicola: (b. July 15, 1901, Salerno. d. Sept. 9, 1990, Milan). Existentialist Philosopher and Historian of Italian Philosophy. In 1936, he joined the faculty of the University of Torino (Turin) as a professor of philosophy. In 1939, he became professor of the history of philosophy at the same institution. He was an exponent of Positive Existentialism, in opposition to the Negative Existentialism as expounded by Heidegger, Jaspers, and Sartre. He was the author of several works: La struttura scienza (Torino, 1939); Esistnzialismo positive (Torino, 1948); Storia della filosofia (in 3 vol. 1946-50); Problemi di sociologia (Torino, 1958); Filosofia Antica, Filosofia Patristica, Filosofia Scolastica: Volume 1 (Torino, 1963); Filosofia del Rinascimento, Filosofia Moderna dei secoli XVII e XVIII: Volume II (Torino, 1963).Quote: “Reason itself is fallible, and this fallibility must find a place in our logic”.- Daily Telegraph (London, Sept. 14, 1990).
Abbasids: The 2nd dynasty of the Islamic empire. Reigning from AD 750 to 1258, they came to power by overthrowing their predecessors, the Umayyads. The Abbasids based their right to rule upon their descent from al-Abbas, the uncle of Mohammed. It was under the Abbasid Caliphs that the Islamic assault on Europe took place.
Abbate (or Abbati): A noble family of Sicily. Its founder appears to have been a Roman knight named Papiro. Wishing to withdraw to the monastery of Monte Cassino, he turned all of his worldly possession over to his son Ascanio. When Ascanio died soon afterwards without having produced an heir, Papiro was forced to give up his monk’s habit and return to the outside world. Marrying again, he began a new family which took the surname Abbate in remembrance of his time as a monk.
Abbate, Andrea: See Abate, Andrea.
Abbateggio (PE):A commune (Area: 15.71 km². Alt. 450 m) of Abruzzo, in the province of Pescara, located 40 km from Pescara. Pop. 419 (2007e).
History: The town dates back to at least the 10th century.
Abbatelli: A noble family of Sicily. (full entry)
Abbati: See Abbate.
Abbati, Giuseppe: (b. 1836, Naples. d. 1868, Florence). Painter. The son of Vincenzo Abbati, another Neapolitan painter, he received his earliest education from his father. Later, graduating from the Academy at Venice, he specialized in genre (i.e. pictures of everyday life), architecture, and landscapes. During the Risorgimento, he fought under Garibaldi and lost an eye in combat. In 1866, he volunteered to fight in the Italian army against the Austrians in the Tyrol. He survived the war only to succumb to an infected dog bite in 1868. Principal Works: A Dominican singing in the choir of Santa Maria Novella, Florence (1863); Peasant Family taking a siesta. The Prayer; The Dominican; A Street in Sunlight.
Abbot: The Ordinary of an abbey. For those abbeys having additional territory attached to the, the abbot serves as the Ordinary for the whole area.
Abd: an Arabic term meaning “slave of”, “servant of”, or “worshipper of”. Several Arabic personal names are created by the combination of Abd- with “Allah” or other names or attributes of the deity (e.g. Abdullah, Abdul).
Abdalla-ibn-Cais-el-Fezary: (fl. 2nd half of the 7th Century AD). Saracen raider. A general of the Caliph Moawia, he led the first Saracen raid on Sicily in AD 667.
‘Abdallah ibn ‘Abbas ibn al-Fadl: Aghlabid governor of Sicily (rAD 862).
Abdila: Byzantine Strategies of Bari (rAD 969-975).
Abdilla: a surname of Saracen origin. It is first attested in historical documents in 1178 among the Muslim serfs living in Norman Sicily.
Abela: A surname found in Sicily, of Aragonese origins.
Abela, Gaetano: (b. 1796, Siracusa. d. 1826, Palermo). Patriot. Joining the Carbonara movement, he participated in an unsuccessful insurrection at Siracusa in 1826. Arrested the following year, he spent the remainder of his short life in prison.
Abelard of Hauteville: (b. c1044; d. 1081). (see full page)
Abella (or Avella): An ancient Greek town in Campania. Situated near Nola, it was founded by the Chalcidian Greeks. It was best known for the quality of its apples and hazel-nuts. The modern Avella (AV).
Abellinum (: sometimes Abellinum Protropum ) : Ancient name for Avellino [AV]. (full entry)
Abellinum Marsicum: An ancient town in Lucania, situated to the NE of Casilinum, near the source of the river Aciris. It was the capital city of the Marsi. The modern Marsico Vetere [PZ].
Abignente, Filippo: (b. 1814, Sarno. d. 1887, Rome). Patriot and statesman. On May 15, 1848, he was one of the Deputies of the Neapolitan Parliament who signed the protest against King Ferdinand II. As a result he was forced to flee for his life in 1849 when the revolutionary movement was crushed. He settled in Nice, then part of the Kingdom of Sardinia, until the final collapse of Bourbon power in Naples in 1860. He then returned home where he became professor of church history at the University of Naples. Reentering politics, he served in the Italian government as a Counselor of State in 1876. From 1866 to 1883, he was a Parliamentary Deputy, serving in 1880 as President of the Camera. Throughout his career, Abignente played an important role in guiding relations between the Church and the Kingdom of Italy.
Abignente, Marino: (b. 1471, Sarno. d. 1521). Man-at-arms. Born into a noble family of Sarno (SA), he was one of the 13 Italian knights who took part in the famous Disfida di Barletta (Feb. 13, 1503).
Abolla (SR): An ancient town in eastern Sicily, situated at the mouth of the river Erineus. It is usually identified with present-day Avola (SR), located on the island’s E coast about 9 km NE of Noto (SR). Abolla is only mentioned in the historical records by the 5th century AD historian Stephanus Byzantinus.
Aborigines: A generic term for the original inhabitants of a country. Although the term is sometimes applied to the ancestors of the Latins by ancient writers it is a misnomer. These proto-Latins had to drive away earlier settlers, often identified as the Sikels, before they were able to settle in Latium.
Abos, Gerolamo (or Geronimo): (b. Nov. 16, 1715, Valetta, Malta. d. May or Oct. 1760, Naples). Composer and singing teacher. Trained in Naples by L. Leo and Francesco Durante, he toured through many of Europe’s great cities including Rome, Venice, Turin, and London. In 1756, he became maestro al cembalo at the Italian Theater in London. During his career he composed 14 operas (both melodramatic and opera buffo) and several pieces of church music. Principal Works: La Serva Padrona (1744, Naples).L’Ifigenia in Aulide.
Abramo di Balmes: (b. Lecce. d. Venice, 1523). Jewish physician and grammarian. A native of Apulia, he made several important translations, from Hebrew editions, of Arab philosophical and scientific works. Among these were the writings of Averroës; and the Miqreh Abram (Possession of Abram).
Abrial, Count Andre Joseph: (b. Mar. 19, 1750, Annoney, France. d. 1828, Paris). Magistrate and politician. After establishing himself as a successful magistrate in Paris, he was selected by the Directory to go to Naples in 1799 to help organize the government of the Parthenopean Republic. In February of that year he became the republic’s chief of civic and political police and set about setting up the organization of the civilian and military branches of the government. The plans he formulated who create a constitutional republic along the lines that governed France at that time. During his term in office, he developed a reputation for fairness and honesty. The collapse of the Parthenopean Republic forced him to flee back to France where he became a strong supporter of Napoleon. He was subsequently honored both by Napoleon and King Louis XVIII.
Abriola (PZ): (see full page)
Abruzzi/Abruzzo: (see full page)
Abruzzi/Abruzzo, Communes of: Province of Chieti Altino, Archi, Ari, Arielli, Atessa, Bomba, Borrello, Bucchianico, Canosa Sannita, Carpineto Sinello, Carunchio, Casacanditella, Casalanguida, Casalbordino, Casalincontrada, Casoli,… (full entry)
Abruzzi e Molise: A former region/compartment of Italy, now divided into the regions of Abruzzo and Molise. It had an area of 5,955 square miles (or 6,380 according to Lippincott, 1913).
Abruzzo, Parco Nazionale d’: (Abruzzo National Park): A national park centered on the upper valley of the river Sangro. (full entry)
Abruzzo Citeriore: an alternate name for Abruzzo Citra.
Abruzzo Citra (sometimes Abruzzo Citeriore) (Nearer Abruzzo): A province of the former kingdoms of Naples and the Two Sicilies. It corresponds to the present province of Chieti. Its designation as “Nearer” referred to its position to the city of Naples in relation to the other two Abruzzian provinces (Abruzzo Ultra 1 and 2). The province was about 1,700 square miles in area and had a population of 260,250 (in 1825). Its capital was Chieti, or Teti, (anc. Teate), and its other principal communities were Pescara, Ortona, and Lanciano.
Abruzzo Ulteriore I: Alternate name for Abruzzo Ultra I.
Abruzzo Ulteriore II: Alternate name for Abruzzo Ultra II.
Abruzzo Ultra (sometimes Abruzzo Ulteriore) (Further Abruzzo) I: A province of the former kingdoms of Naples and the Two Sicilies corresponding to the modern province of Teramo. The northernmost province of the Regno, it had an area of about 1,143 square miles and a population of 174,370 (in 1825). Its principal towns were Teramo (the provincial capital), Atri, and Civita di Penne. Also found here was the fortress of Civitella, the last Bourbon stronghold to surrender to the Piedmontese in 1861.
Abruzzo Ultra (sometimes Abruzzo Ulteriore) (Further Abruzzo) II: A province of the former kingdoms of Naples and the Two Sicilies corresponding to the modern province of L’Aquila. It was about 2,220 square miles in area and had a population of 259,114 (in 1825). Its capital, Aquila (L’Aquila), was a center for the manufacturing of paper, stockings and leather goods. Its other principal towns were Sulmona (anc. Sulmo), the birthplace of the Roman poet Ovid, and Celano.
Abrystum: See Aprustum.
Abside: See apse.
Abu: an Arabic form found in many personal and geographical names, usually signifying either possession or paternity.
Abu Aaron: (fl. 2nd part of the 9th century). Jewish scholar. A notable scholar, he frequented the various Jewish communities throughout southern Italy. While visiting Saracen-controlled Bari, he became friends with the emir Sawdan.
Abu Abbas ibn ‘Ali: Aghlabid governor of Sicily (rAD 886).
Abu ‘Abbas ibn Ya’qub ibn ‘Abdallah: Aghlabid governor of Sicily (r AD 871-2).
Abu ‘Abbas ‘Abdallah ibn Muhammad ibn ‘Abdallah ibn al-Aghlab: Aghlabid governor of Sicily (rAD 873).
Abu ‘Abdallah Asad ibn Furat ibn Sinan: Aghlabid governor of Sicily (r. AD 827-8).
Abu ‘Abd Allah Muhammad ibn Battuta: (b. c1100, at Ceuta; d. 1164). Geographer. Having been educated at Cordoba, he traveled widely throughout much of the Islamic world, including Spain, the Barbary states in North Africa, and Asia Minor. He eventually arrived in Sicily where he became a member of Roger II’s court at Palermo. He is famous for creating a world map and an accompanying description of the world as it was then known for Roger. This work, called the al-nuzhat al-mushtaq (The Book of Roger), was completed in 1154.
Abu Fihr Muhammad ibn ‘Abdallah ibn al-Aghlab: Aghlabid governor of Sicily (r.AD 831-5).
Abu’l-Abbas ‘Abdallah ibn Ibrahim II: Aghlabid governor of Sicily (r. AD 899-902).
Abu’l-Aghlab Abbas ibn Fadl ibn Ya’qub ibn Fezara: Aghlabid governor of Sicily (r. AD 851-861).
Abu’l-Aghlab Ibrahim ibn ‘Abdallah: Aghlabid governor of Sicily (r. AD 835-851).
Abu Malik Ahmad ibn ‘Umar ibn ‘Abdallah ibn Ibrahim I ibn al-Aghlab: Aghlabid governor of Sicily (r AD 873-76; 899).
Academia: A beautiful country villa built by Cicero in the 1st century BC near Puteoli (mod. Pozzuoli) in Campania. It was one of his favorite retreats where he would take pleasure in philosophical studies and conversations with friends. It was here that he composed his Academic Questions. He named the villa Academia in honor of Plato’s famous philosophical school in Athens. (also see “academy”).
Academy: a school or conservatory. The name derives from the Greek akademeia, which, in turn, is based on Akademus, the name of a mythological hero. A public park is ancient Athens dedicated to Akademus, was the chosen location for Plato and his students to gather.
Acadine (Acadinus): A fountain of Sicily situated near ancient Palica, mentioned by Diodorus Siculus. Its waters were believed to have magic properties. Written oaths and promises were thrown into the fountain to test faithfulness. Those which sank were considered to be falsely made; while those made with honesty would float.
Acaia: (or Acaja , Acaya ) (LE): A community in southern Puglia, it is now a frazione in the commune of Vernole (LE). (full entry)
Acalandra (mod. Salandra): A town in ancient Lucania. It derived its name from the nearby river, Acalandrus.
Acalandrus (or Akalandros), River: Ancient name for a small river in Lucania. (full entry)
Acanthus: A weed best-known for its beautiful purple flower. Its leaves are reminiscent of the elaborate capitals on Corinthian columns. Acanthus weeds are found growing wild throughout southern Italy, especially in stony locations like archaeological sites.
Acate (formerly Biscari) (see full page)
Acaviser: An ancient Etruscan deity who is sometimes describer as a male and at other times as a female. Probably a divinity concerned with healing, this deity is associated with Turan, Achilles, Thetis and Alpan.
Accademia Antoniana: An early name for the Accademia Panormita in Naples.
Accadia (FG) (med. Eca):A commune (area: 30.47 km². alt. 650 m) of Puglia, in the province of Foggia. (see full page)
Accaria Rosario (CZ): A frazione in the commune of Serrastretta (CZ). It was founded in medieval times by the Saracens.
Accarini: A surname found mainly in Sicily. It is of Saracen origins deriving from the Arab al-qarinu (= husband).
Accascina, Filippo “Pippo”: (b. May 13, 1919, Mezzojuso (PA). d. 2001, Rome). Chemist. He was a noted researcher on the theory of electric conductance of solutions between ions, solvent molecules, absorption of ultrasolics in liquid mixtures and kinetic of hydrolysis. During his career he was a professor of chemistry at the University of Rome.
Accetta, Giulio: (b. Francavilla Fontana (BR). d. Sept. 25, 1725, Turin). Mathematician and Augustinian Monk. He was a professor of mathematics at the University of Turin. His principal work was Gli elementi di Euclid (post. 1753).
Accetto (sometimes Maestro Accetto): (b. Lavoro, Apulia. fl. 11th century). Sculptor and archdeacon. One of his best works was a pulpit in the Cathedral of Canosa di Puglia. Remains of another of his pulpits (1041) can be seen in the church of S. Michele at Monte Sant’Angelo (FG). Accetto’s sculpture reveals strong Byzantine and Saracen influences; ornate in styling and never depicting human figures.
Accetto, Torquato: (fl. 1st half of the 17th century). Neapolitan scholar. An author of moralistic verses, he is best known for his 1641 treatise Della dissimulazione onestra.
Accettura (MT): A commune (Area: 89.27 km². alt: 770 m) of Basilicata, in the province of Matera (see full page).
Acciaioli: See Acciaiuoli.
Acciaiuoli (or Acciajuoli, Acciaioli): A notable family of Florentine origins. (full entry)
Acciaiuoli, Angelo: (b. Apr. 15, 1340, Florence. d. May 31, 1408). Ecclesiastic. In 1375, Pope Gregory XI appointed him Bishop of Rapolla, a diocese in the Kingdom of Naples. In 1383, he was chosen to become Archbishop of Florence. Soon after (1385) Pope Urban VI appointed him to the College of Cardinals. When that pope died a conclave was called at which Acciaiuoli received half of the votes cast. When no decision could be resolved, he directed his followers to support the Neapolitan Piero Tomacelli who then became Pope Boniface IX. Boniface rewarded him by making him Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia. Acciaiuoli later became Governor of Naples, serving as guardian to the young King Ladislaus. After Ladislaus reached his majority, Acciaiuoli continued to be a strong supporter of his claim to the throne of Hungary. He accompanied Ladislaus when he went to Budapest to secure this claim.
Acciaiuoli (or Acciajuoli), Niccolo: (see full page) Acciano (AQ): A commune of Abruzzo, in the province of L’Aquila. (see full page)
Acciano, Giulio: (b. 1651, Bagnoli Irpino. d. 1681, Naples). Poet. He produced a series of burlesque and satirical poems, and was a member of the Accademia degli Investiganti (Neapolitan Academy of Investigation).
Acciaroli (SA): A frazione (alt. 10 m) in the commune of Pollica (SA), located 5.8 km SW of that center, on the coast of the Cilento district in the S. part of the province of Salerno. Situated on highway No. 267, it sits on a promontory overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. There is a small port facility. Possessing a rugged coastline and great expanse of sandy beaches, Acciaroli has become a center for tourism and water sports. Early in the 20th century, Acciaroli achieved a certain status as being a favorite location of Earnest Hemingway.
Accolti, Michele (a.k.a. Michael): (b. 1807, Conversano [BA]. d. 1878, San Francisco, California). Jesuit missionary. In 1843 he joined the mission sent to the American Indians, assisting Fr. Giovanni de Nobili in the newly established missions of California in 1849. In 1850, he served as Superior of the Jesuit Rocky Mountain Mission in Oregon. Returning for a time to Italy in 1853, he visited Rome. Again in California, he served as professor and prefect of studies at the mission of Santa Clara. In 1868, Accolti served his last post as preacher in New York and San Francisco.
Acconia (CZ): A small frazione in the commune of Curinga (CZ), located 4.5 km WNW of the communal center. It is situated to the left of the torrent Turrina, on the E edge of the Piana di Angitola.
Accordino, Giuseppe: (b. 1777, Patti [ME]; d. 1830). Philosopher.
Accorsi, Mariangelo: See Accorso, Mariangelo.
Accorso (Accorsi), Mariangelo: (b. Apulia; fl. 1st half of the 16th century). Classical scholar, linguist and critic. He was a favorite of Emperor Charles V and resided at the imperial court for over 30 years. He spent much of his time organizing, editing and translating the ancient manuscripts. Among the ancient writers whose works helped to preserve were Ausonius, Ovid, Cassiodorus, Claudian, and Ammianus Marcellinus. He also wrote a number of original works including a fable, poems, and a satire.
Accua: a small town in ancient Apulia. Its exact site is uncertain but is appears to have been near Luceria. Its only historical mention is in Livy (xxiv.20) who identifies it as one of the towns recovered by the Romans under Q. Fabius from the Carthaginians in 214 BC.
Acellus: See Aegithallus promontorium (TP).
Acer, River: A river in ancient Lucania. It emptied into the river Sora, near Grumentum.
Acerbi (or Acerbo), Francesco: (b.1606, Nocera dei Pagani. d. 1690, Naples). Theologian and Latin poet. He served as professor of theology and philosophy at L’Aquila and then at Naples.
Acerbo, Francesco: See Acerbi, Francesco.
Acerbo, Giacomo: (b. 1888, Loreto Apurtino, near Pescara. (full entry)
Acerbo, Tito: (b. Loreto Apurtino, near Pescara, 1890; d. Croce di Piave, 1918). Military hero. He was killed in battle against the Austrians during the First World War. In reward for his heroism, he was posthumously awarded the gold medal for military valor. His younger brother was the Fascist statesman, Giacomo Acerbo.
Acerenza (or Accerenza) (PZ): (see full page)
Acerenza, Archdiocese of
Founded: AD 4th century.
Conference Region: Basilicata.
Metropolitan: Archdiocese of Potenza-Muro Lucano-Marsico Nuovo.
Area: 1,250 km².
Population: 50,567 (2006e).
Priests: 42 (Diocesan: 40; Religious: 2).
Permanent Deacons: 0
Parishes: 21
History:
Suffragan to Potenza-Muro Lucano-Marsico Nuovo. Part of the Ecclesiastical Region of Basilicata. Area: 1,250 km²; Inhabitants: 51,575. Parishes: 21. Clergy: 36 (Secular Priests), 6 (Regular Priests), 0 (Permanent Deacons).
History: The diocese of Acerenza was established in the 4th century AD and became an archdiocese in the 11th century. It was united with the diocese of Matera in 1203.
Acharenses: See Acherini.
Achates: a faithful companion (fidus Achates) of the Trojan hero Aeneas. His name is often used to describe someone who is a true and loyal friend or follower. According to some sources the Achates River in Sicily was said to have been named for him.
Achates, River: A small river in ancient Sicily noted for the crystal clarity of its waters. Although its location is uncertain, many researchers identify it with the river Acate, to the SE of Gela in S Sicily. Others disagree, since it is known that the Acate bore the name Dirillo in ancient times. The origin of the river’s name is also controversial with some sources linking it with Achates, the companion of the hero Aeneas, while others claim it derived from the semiprecious agates (lapis Achates) that were said to lie in its bed. The only literary mention for the river Achatus is found in a Latin poem by Silius Italicus (AD 25-101). The river Achates lends its name to a canal on the planet Mars.
Achemenides: See Achaemenides.
Acherini (Acharenses): The inhabitants of an ancient Sicilian town the location of which is uncertain. Cicero mentions them among those Sicilians who were victimized by Verres.
Acheron (Acheruns), Lake: A sulfurous lake located near ancient Baiae, in Campania. The lake was surrounded by hills which blocked out the sun except at high noon. The gloomy surroundings were said to be the home of witches.
Acheron, River: A small river in ancient Bruttium, situated near Pandosia, identified with either the Lese or Arconti. It was the site of the defeat and death of Alexander of Epirus (331 or 330 BC).
Acherontia (1): A small town of ancient Apulia or Lucania, identified with modern Acerenza (PZ). Mentioned in the works of Horace, the ancient town was located near the frontier with Lucania, about 14 miles south of Venusia and 6 miles southeast of Ferentum. Although small in size, its location on a summit of M. Vulture, gave it a great strategic important. The town occupied a strong defensive position whose steep slopes made it accessible only on one side. It was originally a town of the Peuceti. During the Roman-Gothic Wars of the 6th century AD, the Ostrogothic leader Totila, recognized the value of the place and strengthened it with a garrison.
Acherontia (2): A town in ancient Bruttium situated on the river Acheron.
Acherusia lacus (or Palus) (mod. Lago d’Fusaro): An ancient salt-water lake located in the province of Napoli, between the ancient sites of Cumae and Misenum, reputed to be an entrance to the infernal regions. This Campanian lake was the most famous of several lakes, swamps, and caverns found in the ancient Greek world. It is mentioned by Pliny the Elder (H.N. iii.5) and Strabo (v. p.243).
Acherusia Palus: (mod. Lago di Fusaro): A small, salt-water lake located near the coast of Campania between Cumae and Misenum. It is mentioned by Pliny the Elder (H.N. iii.5) and Strabo (v. p.243).
Achetum: A small town in ancient Sicily. Its location is uncertain.
Achetus: A river in ancient Sicily.
Achilles: One of the greatest heroes in Greek mythology, he figures as the principal figure in Homer’s Iliad. Achilles was honored with a hero-cult at ancient Croton. His name is believed to derive from a Mycenaean Greek word meaning “grief to the army.”
Achimaaz du Oria: See Ahima as ben Palti’ el.
Achradina: One of the five quarters of ancient Syracuse.
Aci-: A prefix found in many place names in northeastern Sicily. (full entry)
Aci River (anc. Acis): A river in NE Sicily that flows along the foot of Mt. Etna, before emptying into the Ionian Sea near the city of Acireale (CT). The river’s name derives from its ancient association with the Homeric myth of Acis, the son of the nature-god Faunus and the nymph Symaethis. The river Acis lends its name to a canal on the planet Mars.
Aci Bonaccorsi (CT): A commune of Sicily, in the province of Catania. (see full page)
Aci Castello (CT): A commune of Sicily, in the province of Catania. (see full page)
Aci Catena (CT): A commune of Sicily, in the province of Catania. (see full page)
Aci Consolazione (CT): A locality in the province of Catania. Major earthquakes struck in 1693, 1818, and 1894.
Aci Platani (CT): A frazione of Acireale (CT) in the province of Catania. Major earthquakes struck in 1693 and 1818.
Aci Sant’Antonio: (CT): A commune of Sicily, province of Catania. (full entry)
Acidalus, Fountain of: A fountain in ancient Campania. Its waters were said to have had the medicinal power to treat or cure eye ailments.
Acidii: An ancient village of Lucania, situated to the north of Grumentum.
Acilla: See Acrillae.
Acino: (from the Latin acinus or acinum = grape, berry, pip). The lowest unit of weight used in southern Italy during early modern times. It was the equivalent of the medieval Neapolitan grano (= 0.045 grams). There were 20 acini to one trappeso.
Acireale (Aci Reale) (CT): A commune of Sicily, in the province of Catania. (full entry)
Acireale, Diocese of: Suffragan to the Archdiocese of Catania. Part of the Ecclesiastical Region of Sicily. Area: 665 km²; Inhabitants: 223,722. Parishes: 111. Clergy: 140 (Secular Priests), 176 (Regular Priests), 9 (Permanent Deacons).
The diocese of Acireale was established in 1844. Its first bishop, however, was not appointed until 1872.
Bishops of Acireale
Gerlando Maria Genuardi 1872 – 1907
Giovanni Battista Arista 1907 – 1920
Salvatore Bella 1921 – 1922
Fernando Cento 1922 – 1926
Evasio Colli 1927 – 1932
Salvatore Russo 1932 – 1964
Pasquale Bacile 1964 – 1979
Giuseppe Malandrino 1979 – 1998
Salvatore Gristina 1999- 2002
Pio Vittorio Vigo 2002 –
Aciris, River: A river in ancient Lucania which rose to the NW of Abellinum Marsicum, and empties into the bay of Taranto (Tarentinus sinus) at Agri.
Acis (Grk. Akis): A mythological shepherd of Sicily. According to the myth, Acis was a young and handsome shepherd who tended his flocks in E. Sicily. Although a mortal himself, he was the son of the nature-god Pan-Faunus and the Naiad nymph Symaethis. He met and fell in love with the sea-nymph Galatea, thus incurring the jealousy of the Cyclops Polyphemus, a spurned suitor of Galatea. In a fit of rage, the eye-eyed giant tore a great stone from Mt. Etna and crushed the helpless Acis beneath it. When Galatea prayed for the gods to show mercy to her dead lover, Acis was transformed into a river-god. As his blood flowed from beneath the rock, it miraculously transformed into the stream of water that came to bear his name. The river named for him rose on Aitna near Akion (Acium) and flowed into the Mediterranean.
Acis (or Acinius) (mod. Iaci), River: Ancient river in eastern Sicily. Rising on the slopes of Mt. Aetna, it flows along the foot of that mountain, past Akion (Acium), before emptying into the Sicilian Sea at Acis, at a point between the river Acesinus and Adrix, to the north of Catana. It is named for the mythical youth, Acis, the victim of the Cyclops Polyphemus.
Acis (mod. Castel d’Iaci): An ancient town in eastern Sicily located near the mouth of the river Acis.
Acithis (Acithius, Atys) (mod. Carabi), River: A river in ancient Sicily, located in the W part of the island. It falls into the Africum pelagus, to the N of the Lilybaeum promontory.
Acithius: Ancient name for Birgi, in Sicily.
Acium: an ancient town located in eastern Sicily. Nothing is known of its history but it was known to have been situated on the road between Catana (mod. Catania) and Tauromenium (mod. Taormina), near the small river Acis. It is identified as the modern Acireale (CT).
Acontist: a javelin thrower.
Acqua Alte, Canale: A canal in northern Puglia (province of Foggia). Beginning near Casa Lauro sul Lago di Lésina, it runs for a length of 10 km, emptying into the Adriatic Sea near Torre Mileto.
Acquabella, Punta di (CH): A promontory on the Adriatic coast of the Abruzzo (province of Chieti). It lays S. of Ortona and N. of the mouth of the river Moro. It is sometimes known as the Punta del Moro.
Acqua Bianca, Fosso (MT): A waterway of Basilicata (length: 10 km). It rises at a point (564 m) near Garaguso (MT) and flows from the left into the Torrent Salandrella at Masseria Molino (MT).
Acqua Calda, Torrente: A waterway (length: 8 km) of Campania. Rising on Monte Mutria (1822 m), it flows into the torrente Titerno near Civitella Licinia.
Acqua del Lupo, Fosso (MT): A watercourse of Basilicata (length: 11 km). Beginning at Serra di Gianni (521 m), it flows from the left into the river Bràdano at Masseria Zecchiniello (MT).
Acquacorsari: A small center in Sicily near the city of Palermo. Its name derives from its origins as the site of a watch tower built to guard against Saracen pirates (corsairs).
Acquaformosa (CS): A commune of Calabria, in the province of Cosenza. (full entry)
Acquaiuolo: a traditional water-seller in old Sicily. A common sight on hot days, the acquaiuolo would set up small brass-mounted tables (about 2 feet long by 18 inches wide by 18 inches high) with large water-jugs shaped like ancient Greek vases.
Acqualadrone (ME): Former name for Acquarone (ME).
Acquappesa (CS): A commune of Calabria, in the province of Cosenza. (full entry)
Aquaria, Claudio: See Aquaviva, Claudio.
Acquarica del Capo (LE): A commune of Puglia, in the province of Lecce. (full entry)
Acquaro (VV): A commune of Calabria, in the province of Vibo Valentia. (full entry)
Acquavella (SA): A frazione (alt. 230 m.) in the commune of Casal Velino (SA). It is located in the S. Cilento, to the right of the torrent il Fiumicello at the S. foot of M. Forma (alt. 442 m).
Points of Interest: It contains an interesting church.
Acquavella, Dukes of:
- Michele Sanfelice (1) 1734-1766
- Giuseppe Sanfelice (1) 1766-1813
- Michele Sanfelice (2) 1813-1854
- Giuseppe Sanfelice (2) 1854-1859
- Francesco Paolo Sanfelice 1859-1884
- Gustavo Sanfelice 1884-1946
Acquaviva: One of the seven Great Houses of the Kingdom of Naples. (full entry)
Acquaviva, Andrea Matteo: (b. 1456, 1458, or 1460 in Naples; d. (full entry)
Acquaviva, Antonio: (d. between 1393 and 1395). Nobleman. In 1382, Charles of Durazzo made him Count of S. Flaviano and Count of Montorio. After the conquest of Atri, he received the dukedom of that city from Ladislaus (1393).
Acquaviva, Belisario: (b. Naples; fl late 15th and early 16th Centuries). Nobleman and scholar. He was the younger brother of M. Acquaviva. He shared his brother’s love scholarly and literary pursuits but chose to support the Spanish cause in Naples against the French. Because of this, he was able to preserve to family estate after Spain’s conquest of the Regno and was able to secure the release of his pro-French brother. He was the author of several dissertations.
Acquaviva, Francesco: (b. 1665, Naples. d. 1723, Rome). Ecclesiastic and statesman. Born into the family of the Dukes of Atri, he first entered papal service during the reign of Innocent XI (1676-89), and was the first master of the Chamber of Innocent XII (1692-1700). He also held the post of nuncio to the Spanish court. While in Spain he supported King Philip VI, whom he named minister and protector of the Kingdom of Spain. In 1706, Pope Clement XI made him a cardinal with the title of S. Bartolomeo and Bishop of Sabina. He later received the title of S. Cecilia.
Acquaviva, Giovanni: (b. Feb. 15, 1818, Tricarico (MT)). Ecclesiastic. He became Bishop of Nuscia (SA) in 1871.
Acquaviva, Giovanni Vincenzo: (d.1566). Ecclesiastic. In 1537, he was made Bishop of Melfi and Rapolla. He became a cardinal-priest of Sylvester and Martin in 1542.
Acquaviva, Giulio: (b. 1546, Atri or Naples. d. Rome, 1574). Ecclesiastic. He was the son of Giovan Girolamo Acquaviva, Duke of Atri; he was also the nephew of Claudio Acquaviva, and the brother of Ottavio Acquaviva (1). In 1568, he was papal nuncio of Pope Pius V to the court of King Philip II of Spain, with a mission to present condolences to that monarch for the death of Don Carlos, the heir apparent. In 1570, Pope Pius V raised him to the cardinalate. He assisted Pius V on the latter’s deathbed.
Acquaviva, Giulio Antonio: (d.1481). Nobleman. After taking part in the first conspiracy of the barons against the Aragonese dynasty, he later was reconciled with those rulers. King Ferdinand I honored him with the cognomen of “Aragona.”
Acquaviva, Marcello: (b. 1531, Naples. d. 1617, San Omero (Abruzzo)). Ecclesiastic. In 1586, he became Archbishop of Otranto. After holding the post of apostolic nuncio in the Republic of Venice, he played a similar role in the Duchy of Savoy (1590), involving himself in their dealings with Emperor Henry IV. In 1595, he served as governor and vice-legate of Bologna in 1595.
Acquaviva, Orozio: (fl. late 16th-early 17th Centuries). Ecclesiastic. A participant at the battle of Lepanto (Oct. 7, 1571), he was taken prisoner by the Turks. He was elected as Bishop of Caiazzo in 1641. He was a noted scholar.
Acquaviva, Ottavio (1): (b. 1560, Naples. d. 1612, Naples). Ecclesiastic. He was the son of Duke Giovanni Girolamo Acquaviva of Atri and Margherita Pio di Carpi. The brother of Giulio Acquaviva, he served three popes: Sixtus V, Gregory XIV, and Clement VIII. In 1591, he was created a cardinal and made legate for Campania. In 1593, Pope Clement VIII chose him as legate to Avignon where he aided in the conversion of Emperor Henry IV. In 1605, he became Archbishop of Naples.
Acquaviva, Ottavio (2): (b. 1608/9, Naples. d. 1674, Rome). Ecclesiastic. He was a member of the Atri Ducal branch of the Acquaviva family. Between 1638 and 1643, he held several governorships in the Papal States. He was raised to the cardinalate in 1654 by Pope Innocent IX and served as legate, first to Viterbo, and then to Romagna (Bologna) until 1658, where he was instrumental in the suppression of local banditry. In 1655, he received Cristina of Savoy during her visit to Rome and the Papal States.
Acquaviva, Pasquale: (b. Nov. 3, 1718, Naples. d. Feb. 29, 1788, Rome). Ecclesiastic. A member of the Order of Malta, he became Privy Chamberlain to the Pope in 1739. His subsequent career was as follows: Protonotary apostolic, March 1743; Abbot commendatario of S. Leonardo, Apulia, 1743; Pro-legate in Avignon, 1743-1753; Commissary general of the Navy, 1753; Pro-commissary of War, 1766; President of Urbino from 1767.Pope Clement XIV (r.1769-1775) raised him to the cardinalate in 1773. He participated in the conclave of 1774-75. On April 3, 1775, he received the red hat and the deaconry of S. Maria in Aquiro. On Dec. 13, 1779, he became Cardinal deacon of S. Maria in Cosmedin, and on Sept. 27, 1780, became Cardinal deacon of S. Eustachio.
Acquaviva, Rinaldo d’: (fl. late 12th century). Swabian nobleman. He was the founder of the great Acquaviva family, which produced so many important figures in the history of the Church, and of southern Italy. In 1195, he received several fiefs from Henry VI.
Acquaviva, Bl. Rodolfo: (b. 1550, Atri. d.1583, Cuncolium, Goa (W. (full entry)
Acquaviva, Troiano (or Traiano): (b. Jan. 15 or 16, 1695, Naples. (full entry)
Acquaviva, Monte (CH): A mountain (2,737 m.) in the northern part of the Maiella.
Acquaviva Collecroce: (CB)(Croatian: Zivavoda-Kruc): A commune of Molise, in the province of Campobasso. (full entry)
Acquaviva delle Fonti: (BA): A commune in the province of Bari. (full entry)
Acquaviva d’Isernia (IS): A commune in the province of Isernia.
Area: 13.73 km². Alt. 730 m. CAP: 86080. Tel. Pref.: 0865. Geographical Coordinates: Lat 41°40’23″16 N/Long 14°8’59″28 E. Population Information: 468 (2006e); 468 (2001); 531 (1991). % Change in Population from 1991 to 2001: . Population Density (2001): / km². Inhabitants Designation: .
Location & Setting: Located 18 km. NW of Isernia, it is situated on a hill to the right of the torrent Rio (Volturno). Part of the Comunità Montana del Volturno.
Economy: Although agriculture still plays a vital economic role, the commune also is a center for animal husbandry (goats) and forestry. Tourism is now also becoming an increasing important factor.
Historic Population Figures: 713(1861); 765(1901); 838(1921); 749(1951); 585(1981); 468(2001).
History: Although the origins of the center are uncertain, archaeological evidence suggests that it has existed at least since the time of the ancient Samnites.
During the 20th century the town’s population was severely reduced due to emigration.
Major earthquakes struck in 1456, 1805, 1925, and 1984.
Points of Interest: To the N of the center stands the church of Madonna d’Assunta.
The Parish Church of S. Anastasio Martire.
Other churches include those of S. Maria Asunta and the Oratory of Santa Maria Rosaria.
There is an interesting castle.
Culture & Religion: Patron Saint(s): Sant’Anastasio (FD- 21/22 Jan).
Festival of S. Anastasio– evening of January 21/22. The ceremonies include the lighting of a big bonfire which is kept burning throughout the night. A procession follows and traditional stories are recited.
Acquaviva Platani (CL)(Arab. Michinese): (see full page)
Acquavona: A mountain pass (alt. 1050 m.) in the chain of M. Reventino, part of the Calabrian Apennines.
Acque Basse, Canale: A canal (length: 12 km) in the province of Foggia (Puglia). Stretching from Masseria Caroppi near Lesina, it captures the waters of the Parata before emptying into the Lago di Lésina near Foce Vecchia Càldoli.
Acquedolci: (ME): A commune in the province of Messina. (full entry)
Acquoso, Rio: A waterway of Molise. It is formed from the union of two branches: the Rio San Pietro (length: 7 km) which descends from Monte Marrone (1805 m), and the Rio Molinello (length: 5 km) which originates on Monte Marrone under the name of Rio Petrara. Its waters flow into the River Volturno in the Colli al Volturno at a point 86 km from Campobasso.
Acradina: Ancient name for Capo Santa Panagia (SR), a promontory that forms the S end of the Golfo di Augusta.
Acrae: Latin name for Akrai, a town in eastern Sicily, founded by Syracuse in 664 BC.
Acrae (Acra): (mod. Palazzolo Acreide [SR]). (full entry)
Acragas (Akragas; Lat. Agrigentum): Ancient Greek name for Agrigento. It was second in power and wealth in ancient Greek Sicily only to its rival Syracuse. At its height of power and wealth, Acragas had a population of about 200,000, although only c20,000 of these held full rights as citizens. Acragas derived its great wealth from exports of grain, wine and olive oil. The origin of the city’s name is uncertain. One of the many theories is that it derives from Akragante, identified in some myths as the city’s founder.
Acragas, River: Ancient name for the small river S. Biagio (formerly Girgenti) in southern Sicily. It emptied into the Africum pelagus below Agrigentum.
Acri: (CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. (full entry)
Acri, Francesco: (b. 1836, Catanzaro. d. 1913, Bologna). Philosopher. He began his teaching career as a professor at the University of Palermo. In 1871, he taught the history of philosophy at Bologna. He opposed the concepts of Idealism and Positivism, preferring mysticism and Platonic doctrines. His most important philosophical work was the Abbozzo d’una teoria delle idee (1870). Acri also made an important contribution to the study of legends. He produced significant studies of both Italian and classical traditions. He was an expert on the works of Plato. Among Acri’s other works were Videmus in aenigmate (1907), Amore, dolore, fede (1908), Dialettica turbata (1911), and Dialettica serena (posth.1917).
Acrilla (or Acrillae): An ancient Sicilian town of uncertain location. It is known to have stood near Syracuse in E Sicily. Some scholars have identified it with modern Giarratana [RG]. The town was mentioned in the writings of the historian Stephanus of Byzantium and is thought to have been the site of Marcellus’s victory over Hippocrates in 214 BC.
Acron (Acrone, Acronis): (fl. 5th century BC). A famous Greek physician, he was the son of Xenon, and was a native of Akragus (mod. Agrigento) in Sicily. Many scholars consider him to be the founder of the school of empirical practice. He is known to have moved to Athens where he helped to found a medical and philosophical school. He is credited with stopping a terrible plague in Athens by inventing fumigation (i.e. lighting large smoky fires and purifying the air with perfumes). According to Suidas, he was the author of several medical works written in the Doric dialect.
acropolis: (=high city). The citadel of an ancient Greek settlement, normally located on its highest elevation.
Acrotatus: (fl. late 4th Century BC). King of Sparta. In 314 BC, he responded to an appeal for help from Akragas, then being threatened by Agathocles, the tyrant of Syracuse. Acrotatus sailed to Sicily and took over the defense of Akragas. The harshness which he used to rule the city aroused the citizens to expel him. He returned home to Sparta and died soon after.
Acton: An English/Irish family, which arose in the 14th century at Aldenham Hall, Shropshire, England. Many of its members were to significantly affect the political and military affairs of the Bourbon Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Its first member of note was Edward Acton, created an English baron in 1643 as a reward for his loyalty to the Stuarts. A later namesake, who worked as a physician at Besançon, in France, was the father of John Francis Edward Acton, who inherited the title in 1791. The latter’s brother was Joseph Edward Acton (1737-1808), who founded the Neapolitan branch of the family.
Acton, Alfredo: (b. 1867, Castellammare di Stabia. d. 1934, Naples). Admiral. During his career he participated in several campaigns throughout the world: Mesewa (Ethiopia), Crete (1938), the Far East, and Libya. During World War I, he commanded a combined Italian-English naval force in the lower Adriatic, playing an important role in the naval battle at Otranto (May, 1917). After the war, he became head of the General Staff of the Admiralty.
Acton, Charles (Carlo): (b. Aug. 25, 1829, Naples. d. Feb. 2, 1909, Portici). Operatic composer and pianist. His principal work was Una cena in convitto.
Acton, Charles Januarius Edward: (b.1803, Naples. d. June 23, 1847, Naples). Ecclesiastic. Son of Sir John Francis Edward Acton (d.1736-1811) of Shropshire, England, he was educated in England (London and Cambridge) and at Rome (Academia Ecclesiastica), where he studied for the priesthood. In 1828, he served as papal attaché; to the Nuncio Lambruschini at Paris. After acting as vice-delegate (legate) at Bologna and as an assistant judge of the civil court at Rome, he became papal auditor (1837). In 1842, he became a cardinal under Pope Gregory XVI. After the restructuring of the Catholic hierarchy, he became procurator of the department of England in the eighth apostolic vicariate.
Acton, Ferdinando: (b. 1832, Naples. d. 1891, Rome). Admiral. In 1860, he transferred with the grade of captain of frigate from the Bourbon Navy to the Italian navy. From 1881 to 1884 he served as Minister of the Navy; later becoming President of the Supreme Council and head of the General Staff of the Admiralty.
Acton, Guglielmo: (b. 1825, Castellammare di Stabia. d. 1896, Naples). Naval officer and statesman. A Captain of frigate in the navy of the Bourbon Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, after the defeat of the Bourbons he transferred to the Italian navy as a ship’s captain. He served with distinction during the battle of Lissa. From 1870 to 1872 he was Minister of the Navy, becoming a Senator in 1871. In 1879 he was promoted to Vice-Admiral. He served a second term as Minister of the Navy from 1879 to 1881.
Acton, Lord John Emerich Dalberg- (1st Baron Acton of Aldenham): (b. Jan. 10, 1834, Naples. d. Jan. 19, 1902, Tegernsee, Bavaria). Historian. He was a grandson of Sir John Francis Edward Acton. After studying under Döllinger at Monaco, he became an important figure in the Liberal Democrat party in Great Britain. He served in the British parliament for 5 years. A close friend of Gladstone (who awarded him the title of baron), he earned a reputation as an historian and book collector. He was the planner for the Cambridge Modern History.
Acton, Sir John Francis Edward: (b. 1736, Besançon, France. (full entry)
Acton, Ruggiero Emerich: (b. 1834, Naples d. 1901, Naples). Admiral. He served with distinction at Palermo during the suppression of the uprising of in Sept. 19-21, 1866. His service as a naval commander at the battle of Lissa earned him the Medaglia d’oro al Valor Militare (Medal of gold to the Military Valor).
Acuto: (fl. 12th century). Sculptor. He produced a number of significant works in his native Abruzzo, including the pulpit of the church of S. Angelo a Pianella and, possibly, the portico of the monastery of S. Clemente di Causauria.
Ad Angitulam>: A town in ancient Bruttium located at the mouth of the river Angitula, between Ad Turres and Nicotera, on the Via Aquilia.
Ad Calorem>: A town in ancient Lucania, situated on the river Calor, between Ad Silarum and Marcelliana.
Ad Canales (1)>: (mod. Canile). A town of ancient Messapia, located below Mt. Aulon, to the WNW of Tarentum.
Ad Canales (2)>: An ancient town of the Samnite Pentri, on the Via Trentana, between Ad Pirum and Bovianum.
Ad Decimum>: A town in ancient Calabria, on the Via Egnatina, between Egnatia and Speluncae.
Ad Duodecim>: (mod. Borgogne). A town in ancient Calabria located to the NW of Hydruntum.
Ad Honoratianum>: A town of the ancient Hirpini, in Samnium, located on the Via Numica between Ad Matrem Magnam and Venusia.
Ad Lanarium>: (mod. Campobello). A town in ancient Sicily located SW of Mazara.
Ad Matrem Magnam>: (mod. Villanova). A town of the ancient Hirpini, in Samnium. It was located near the source of the river Cerbalus, on the Via Numica between Equus Tuticus and Ad Honoratianum.
Ad Nonum>:>A town of the ancient Sidicini, in Campania, located between Pons Campanus and Casilinum.
Ad Novas>: (mod. Nova). A town in ancient Campania, located on the Via Appia between Calatia and Caudium.
Ad Octavum>:>A town of the ancient Sidicini, in Campania, located on the Via Appia between ancient Capua and Pons Campanus.
Ad Pinum>: (mod. Spinazzola). A town in ancient Lucania, located between Venusia and Opinum.
Ad Pirum>: (mod. Campolieto). A town in ancient Apulia located on the Via Frentana between Geronium and Ad Canales.
Adalberta: (fl. 2nd part of the 8th century). Wife of Arichis II. When her husband died in 787, she worked to have Charlemagne free Grimoald, the rightful heir to the power in Benevento.
Adam of Rottiwell:(fl 2nd half of the 15th century). Printer. He founded the first publishing house in the Abruzzi at L’Aquila. In 1482, he published a translation of the Lives of Plutarch by B.A. Iaconella of Rieti.
Adami, Gaetano: (b. 1848, Cosenza. d.?). Painter. He attended the Istituto di BBAA di Napoli where he studied under Domenico Morelli.
Adami, Giovanni Matteo: (b. 1574, Mazara del Vallo. d. 1623, Japan). Missionary and martyr. A Jesuit, he was sent to Japan in 1602 to do missionary work. During a persecution of Christian clerics he fled for a time to Macao. Returning to Japan, he was eventually arrested, tried and executed.
Adamucci, Antonio: (b. between 1750 and 1775, Naples. d. 1827, Paris). Physician. One of the forerunners of positivist thinking, he discounted the existence of the soul, the immaterial, or anything that cannot be scientifically examined or explained.
Addamo, Sebastiano: (b. Feb. 18, 1925, Catania. d. July 9, 2000, Catania). Educator and writer. He moved to Lentini [SR] where he became headmaster of the local liceo classico. During his career he contributed several articles of literary criticism to the publications Il Mattino and La Sicilia. His most significant publications are the fiction works Violetta (1963) and Un uomo fidato (1978), and the poetic works La metafora dietro di noi (1980) and Il giro della vite (1983). He spent his later years in his native Catania.
Addaura: Caves (PA) :An important archaeological complex of 3 caves at the base of the N slope of Monte Pellegrino (an associated cave, Grotta Niscemi, is located on the E slope), located about 8.5 km. (full entry)
Addolorata (TP)>:>An agricultural community (alt. 9 m) located 4 km NE of Marsala, situated on Route #115 between Santa Vénere and Tabaccaro, in a plain to the NW of Capo Lilibeo.
Addone, Niccolo: (b. Potenza; fl. early 19th century). Rebel leader. He is best known for leading an unsuccessful attack against French-occupied Potenza.
Adeiperto: Bishop of Capua (r 944 – ?).
Adelaide: di Monferrato (or di Savona; del Vasto) : (b. (full entry)
Adelais of Benevento>:>Duke of Benevento (rAD 730 or 732-33).
Adelchis (or Adelgisus): (d. 878). Prince of Benevento. (full entry)
Adelfer (Adelferio) of Amalfi:He usurped the Duchy of Amalfi in 984 while his brother, Manso I, was in Salerno. In 986 he and his wife Drosa were forced to flee to Naples when Manso returned to Amalfi.
Adelfia: (BA):A commune (area: 29.73 km². (full entry)
Adelgisus: See Adelchis.
Ademar of Capua: Duke of Capua (r999).
Adeodata: (fl. end of 6th Century AD). Sicilian noblewoman (inlustris femina). She is known from her correspondence with Pope St. Gregory I “the Great” (r AD 590 – 604) expressing her desire to enter a religious life.
Adeodatus (Deusdedit) I, St.: (b. Rome; d. Nov. 8, AD 618, Rome). Pope. (r Oct 19, 615-Nov 8, 618). He succeeded Boniface IV and was succeeded by Boniface V.
He supported the Roman/Byzantine Governor Eleutherius when the latter marched through Rome on his way south to crush the revolt of John of Compsa at Naples. Feast Day: Nov. 8.
Adeodatus (Deusdedit) II>: (b. Rome; d. June 17, 676, Rome). Pope (rAD Apr.11, 672-June 17, 676). He succeeded Vitalianus on the papal throne. The son of a Roman named Jovianus, he had been a monk, who was noted for his kindly, benevolent nature. Two of his papal letters are extant, one confirming the privileges granted to the monastery of St. Peter’s at Canterbury, and another granting privileges to the Gallic monastery of St. Martin’s of Tours. He was succeeded by Donus.
Adeona: An ancient Italic goddess of journeys and protector of travelers. The Romans incorporated her attributes into the goddess Juno. She protected children when they took their first steps away from home, watching over them until they safely returned.
Adephagia: A Greek goddess of Gluttony and Discord (or as some sources prefer “Good-Eating and Merriment”). She was worshipped in Sicily in connection with the harvest goddess Ceres.
Aderente, Vincente (aka Vincent Aderente): (b. 1880, Naples. d. 1941, Bayside, Long Island, NY,). Painter. Having immigrated to the United States, he became a nationally known portrait and mural painter. He first achieved fame at the age of 17 when he won several prizes at the Art Students League. As a result of this he was awarded the contract to decorate the Waldorf Astoria Hotel Ballroom. From there he went on to create many works in public buildings in Massachusetts, Indiana, Ohio, New Jersey, New York (Queens), and Washington, D.C. Among his best-known works are the Murals at the Keith Memorial Theater, Boston. MA and the frescoes of angels in the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, Washington, D.C. In 1935, he designs a series of government bonds using as his theme “Allegiance.”
Aderno (CT):former name for Adrano [CT].
Ades: See Hades.
Adhemar (Adhemar, Ademar, Ademarius) of Salerno>: Prince of Salerno (r853-861). Son and heir of the usurper Peter of Salerno. An unpopular ruler, he lost considerable authority and territory to the Counts of Capua. In 858, his situation was so threatened that he had to call on the assistance of Guy I of Spoleto, who demanded further territorial concessions. Thus able to survive, Adhemar was forced to turn control of the Liri River over to Guy as compensation.
Adhemar of Capua:Prince of Capua (999).
Adimari, Lodovico (or Ludovico): (b. 1644, Naples. d. 1708, Florence). Scholar and poet. Having served the Medici at Florence, he was forced into exile after the collapse of their power, living successively at Lucca, Bologna, and Mantua. In 1692, he returned to Florence where he eventually became a scholar of the Tuscan tongue in the Florentine Studio (1697). Adimari was the author of three dramas and several laudatory, sacred, and love poems. His best works are considered to be five Satires, published posthumously in 1716. Other works include Poesie sacre e morali (1696) and Prose sacre (1706). Accused of having killed his wife, he lost a commission from the Captain of Pietrasanta.
Admiral: A high state and military official in the Norman Sicily. The title originated as the Arabic amir al-bahr, meaning “Commander (emir) of the Sea.”
Adonis, Gardens of: In the ancient Greek cities founded in Sicily and Magna Graecia, the worship of the nature/vegetation god, Adonis, was very popular. (full entry)
Adonis, Scarlet: A bright little flower found throughout Sicily. It received its name from the legend that it originally sprang from the blood of Adonis when he was slain by a wild boar.
Adorno (RC): Former name for the commune of Ardoro (RC).
Adorno, Giorgio: (d. 1558). Navigator. He served as Captain General of the Galleys for the Knights of Malta.
Adorno, Mario: (b. 1773, Siracusa. d. 1837, Siracusa). Lawyer and patriot. He participated in the uprising of the Carbonari in 1820-21. In 1837, he led an unsuccessful revolt in Siracusa against the Bourbon government. He was captured and executed with his son Carmelo.
Adrano: (CT): (anc. Adranon, Adranum, Adranus, Hadranum ; Arab. (full entry)
Adranodorus: (b. Syracuse; fl. 3rd century BC). General. He was the tutor of Hieronymus, the 15-year-old grandson and successor of Hieron II, tyrant of Syracuse. Hieronymous was a member of the pro-Carthaginian faction of Syracuse, opposing the pro-Roman feelings of Hieron. After the death of Hieronymus (214 BC), Andranodorus favored the new republican government formed to replace the tyranny. Later, following an unsuccessful attempt to seize power for himself, he was put to death. He was married to Damarata, daughter of Hieron II.
Adranon: (AG):An ancient settlement, believed to have been of Sikan origins, located on Monte Adranone (1000 m), on the road between Contessa Entellina (PA) and Sambuca di Sicilia (AG). (full entry)
Adranos (or Hadranos): A Sikel god often identified with the Phoenician deity Adramelech. (full entry)
Adranum (or Hadranum) (mod. Adrano):>An ancient town in Sicily located at the SW foot of Mt. Etna, situated on the river Adranus, near its junction with the river Cyamosurus. Founded by Dionysius the Elder, it was famous for its shrine to the god Adranus (Hadranus), from whom it derived its name.
Adranus, River:A river in ancient Sicily. Rising in the Nebrodes Mountains, it joins with the Cyamosurus to form the river Symaethus.
Adria (1): An ancient name for the Adriatic Sea. In a more narrow sense, it was applied to that part of the Mediterranean Sea, which lies between Crete and Sicily. Also see Adriatic Sea.
Adria (2): Sometimes called Adriatide. A hypothetical land that was said to have connected the Gargano promontory on Puglia to the coast of Dalmatia. Adria supposedly broke up and sank over the eons of geological time. The Tremiti Islands are believed by some to be a remnant of this ancient land.
Adria (or Hadria) (3):Ancient name for modern Atri (TE). Probably founded by the Etruscans in Picenum, it was later a Roman settlement. Adria was hometown of the family of the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
Adria, Giovanni Giacomo: (b. Mazara, Sicily; d.1560). Physician. He was the personal physician to Emperor Charles V, who ennobled him. Charles appointed him as proto-medicus (chief physician) of Sicily.
Adrian: Also see Hadrian.
Adrian, St. (called “the African”): (b. North Africa; d.AD 709 or 710). Monk. He spent much of his life near Naples as the head of a Benedictine abbey at Nerida. His reputation brought him to the attention of Pope Vitalian, who wished to appoint him as Archbishop of Canterbury, in Saxon England. Adrian refused the offer and recommended Theodore, a Greek monk, for the honor. The Pope agreed, but only on the condition that Adrian would accompany Theodore as his advisor. In 668, Adrian and Theodore departed for England. Thereafter, Adrian dedicated much of his time to teaching, making certain that the monks under his care were knowledgeable in Latin and Greek. According to legend, his body remained in perfect condition for centuries after his death. He is often called St. Adrian of Canterbury.
Adrian (Hadrian) I: (b. Rome; d. 795).Pope (rAD Feb. 1/9, 772- Dec. 25/26, 795). The son of a Roman noble named Theodorus, he was orphaned at an early age and received a good education before entering the church. He succeeded Stephan III on the papal throne. Dante incorrectly states that it was Adrianus who crowned Charlemagne as Emperor. Threatened by the Lombard king Desiderius, Adrian successfully appealed to Charlemagne to invade northern Italy. This invasion ended the Lombard kingdom of Italy and secured the temporal power of the Papacy. He was succeeded by Leo III.
Adrian (Hadrian) II: (b. AD 792, Rome; d. Dec. 14, 872). Pope. (rDec 14, 867-Dec 14, 872). A native of Rome, he succeeded Nicholas I. and was succeeded by John VIII.
Adrian (Hadrian) III: (b. Rome; d. cSept. 885, Modena). Pope. (rMay 17, 884-cSept. 885). He succeeded Marinus I and was succeeded by Stephen V.
Adrian (Hadrian) IV (Nicholas Breakspeare): (b. c1100, Hertfordshire, England; d. Sept. 1, 1159, Anagni (FR)). Pope. (rDec 4, 1154-Sept. 1, 1159). The only pope of English ancestry, he succeeded Anastasius IV and was succeeded by Alexander III.
Adrian (Hadrian) V (Ottobuono de’ Fieschi): (b. c1205, Genoa; d. Aug. 18, 1276, Viterbo). Pope. (rJuly 11, 1276-Aug. 18, 1276). He succeeded Innocent V and was succeeded by John XXI.
Adrian (Hadrian) VI (Adriaan Florenszoon Boeyens): (b. Mar. 2, 1459, Utrecht; d. Sept. 14, 1523, Rome.). Pope. (rJan 9, 1522-Sept 14, 1523). He succeeded Leo X and was succeeded by Clement VII.
Adriani, Achille: (b. 1905, Naples. d. 1982). Archaeologist. He became a professor at the University of Palermo in 1948 and later served as director of the Greco-Roman Museum at Alexandria, Egypt. His principal field of study was Greek art, especially that of Alexandria. One of principal projects was the search for the tomb of Alexander the Great. Despite many years of research on the subject, he never published his work. One of his students, Professor Nicola Bonacasa, later studied Adriani’s notes and lectures and postulated that the famed tomb was located in the Latin cemetery in Alexandria.
Adriatic Sea (Lat. Adriaticum Mare; It. Mare Adriatico): Known in Roman times as the Adria or Mare Adriaticum , it is an arm of the Mediterranean Sea that separates the Balkan Peninsula (to the E) and the Italian mainland (to the W and NW). (full entry)
Adryx: An ancient maritime town in Sicily situated between Acis and Catana.
Ad Sabbatum: A town in ancient Bruttium located on the river Sabbatus, on the Via Aquilia between Consentia and Ad Turres.
Ad Samarum: a town of the Pentri, in ancient Samnium, situated near the source of the river Tamarus, between Bovianum and Equus Tuticus.
Ad Silarum: An ancient village in Lucania, situated on the river Silarus, between Ad Tanarum and Ad Calorem.
Ad Tanarum: An ancient maritime town of the Picentini, on the river Tanarus, near its mouth, between Picentia and Paestum.
Ad Templum Veneris: A town in ancient Calabria situated on the Via Egnatia between Norva and Egnatia (mod. Monte San Pietro).
Ad Tropea: An ancient town of the Bruttii situated on the Tyrrhenian coast, near Portus Herculis.
Ad Turres: An ancient town of Bruttii. It was situated on the Via Aquilia, between Ad Sabbatum and Angitula (mod. Maida).
Ad Undecimum (Furfane): A town of ancient Apulia situated on the Via Egnatia, between Herdonia and Canusium.
Ad Vicesimum:A town in ancient Lucania, between Cylistarnus and Thurii.
adytum (adito): From the Greek aduton (= a place not to be entered). It was a term used in ancient times for cave-sanctuaries and for the innermost chambers of Greek temples where oracles were received and mystery rites were performed. Such places were off-limits to all but priests and the initiated.