Encyclopedia of Southern Italy: Am – Ap

United States: (as Chargé d’Affairs ) Name State of Residency Title Appointment Presentation of Credentials Termination of Mission Note John Nelson Maryland Chargé d’Affaires Oct. (full entry)

ambo (Ital. ambone): a simple pulpit found in many medieval Italian churches, often consisting of a raised stand or platform. The name derives from the Greek ambōn (= “raised edge”).

Ambrosini, Gaspare: (b. Oct. 24, 1886, Favara or Girgenti [AG]; d. 1986, Rome). Jurist, educator, politician. After a career as a magistrate, he became a professor of constitutional law at the University of Palermo. In 1937, he taught colonial law at the University of Rome. After World War II, in 1948, he was elected as a deputy in the first legislature of the Italian Republic, and became the head of the commission on foreign affairs. In November 1955, he became a constitutional justice. Ambrosini is named as one of the important shapers of the Constitution of the Italian Republic. He was the author of over 50 treatises and books on law, government and African studies. He was nearly 100 years of age when he died.

Ambrosio, Alfredo D’: (b. June 13, 1871, Naples; d. Dec. 29, 1914, Nice). Composer. He wrote orchestral, chamber and vocal music. His principal opera was Pia de Tolomei.

Amedeo, Luigi: (b. 1873; d. 1933). Duke of Abruzzi (Duca degli Abruzzi). Explorer and nobleman. A cousin of King Victor Emmanuel III, he led the first ascent of Mt. Elias in Alaska in 1897. In 1899-1900, he achieved fame in an expedition into the Arctic. In 1906, he explored the African Ruwenzori mountain range. In 1909, he achieved a new world altitude record (24,600 feet) during his attempt to climb K2 in the Himalayas. The SE ridge of that peak is named in his honor. After 1919 he concentrated his efforts on the exploration and colonization of East Africa.

Ameglio, Giovanni: (b. 1854, Palermo; d. 1921). Military leader. He served as a general during the 1911 Italian-Turkish War.

Amenano, River: A small stream in the province of Catania, in E Sicily. Rising at the S foot of Mt. Etna, it flows through the city of Catania in covered canals.

Amendola, Giuseppe: (b. 1750, Palermo; d. 1808, Palermo). Composer. He wrote both instrumental and vocal music. He composed Il Begliar-Bey di Caramania (La schiava fedele), libretto of Girolamo Tonioli, (1776).

Amendolara (CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 3,057 (2006e).

Amenta, Niccolo: (b. 1659, Naples; d. 1719). Poet, lawyer, philologist. A master of the Tuscan dialect, he wrote popular comedies including Constanza, Il Forca, La Carlotta, and La Fante. He also authored Della Lingua nobile d’Italia, an excellent study on the Italian language.

American Civil War, Southern Italians in: Union Army Fardella, Enrico : (b. (full entry)

Americans of Southern Italian Descent, Noted: Name Category Dates Information Ancestral Connection Landrieu, Mary Politics Senator- 108 th Congress D-Louisiana Sicily Bono, Sonny Politics/ Entertainment Congressperson- R-California Sicily (Montelepre [PA]) Brady, Robert A. (full entry)

Ameselum: (mod. Regalbuto). An ancient town of the Sikels.

Amestratus: (poss. Mytistratus; mod. Mistretta). A town in ancient N Sicily. It appears nowhere in ancient history except for a passage in Cicero’s Verres. It was said to have had some beautiful fountains. A few notable coins bearing its name have survived. Most sources identify it with modern Mistretta (ME).

Ami…: (fl. last half of the 4^th century BC). A Greek celator who designed coins at Metapontum.

Amici, Bl. Bernardino: (b. 1420, Fossa [AQ]; d. 1520). Preacher and scholar. After studying at L’Aquila, he went to Perugia where he earned a law degree. In 1445, he renounced secular life and became a Franciscan. He became a notable preacher and negotiator. In the latter capacity he successfully settled an ethnic dispute in the Balkans which led to the unification of Dalmatia and Bosnia into a single province (1464). Of humble demeanor, he refused an offer to become bishop of L’Aquila. For the remainder of his long life, he lived a quiet, simple life at the monastery of S. Giuliano near L’Aquila. Among his writings were a biography of St. Bernardino of Siena and the Chronicle of the Friars Minor of the Observance. In 1828, his cult was approved by Pope Leo XII. His feast day is Nov. 27.

Amicis, Anna Lucia de: (b. c1740, Naples; d. after 1789). Singer. Originally a performer in opera bouffe (opera buffa) in London, she eventually achieved great success in true opera, especially in the performance of the operas of Joann Christian Bach. In Milan, she sang in Mozart’s Lucio Silla, where she gave great encouragement to the then 17-year old composer. In 1771, she married Signor Buonsollazzi, Secretary to the King of Sardinia. She continued her career for several years afterward, performing mostly in London in several Italian cities. She retired in c1789.

Amico, Antonio: (b. Sicily; d. 1641).  Priest and historian. He served as historiographer to King Philip IV of Spain, and was the author of several works on the history and antiquities of Sicily, the Sicilian Church, Sicilian rulers, and naval affairs.

Amico, Bartolommeo: (b. 1562, Lucania; d. 1649). Jesuit scholar. He served as professor of philosophy at the University of Naples. Among his works is a 7-volume “Commentary on Aristotle” (1623-48).

Amico, Bernardino: (b. Gallipoli, Apulia; fl. late 16^th /early 17^th Century). Monk and scholar. He lived in Jerusalem from 1596 to c1600. Later settling in Rome, he wrote Trattato delle Piante ed immagini dei sacri Edifici, a description of sacred buildings in the Holy Land. The designs in this work were engraved by Callot.

Amico, Francesco: (b. 1578, Cosenza; d. 1651). Jesuit theologian.

Amico, Giovanni Biagio: (1684, Trapani; d. 1754). (full entry)

Amico, Lorenzo: (b. Milazzo, 1633). Monk and scholar. He wrote works on a number of subjects including philology.

Amico, Vito Maria: (b. Catania, 1693; d. 1762). Historian, antiquary and philosopher. Having served as professor of philosophy at the University of Catania, he authored Sicilia Sacra (1733) and Catana Illustrata (1741). He was a member of the Benedictine order.

Amicus, St.: (b. Camerino, cAD 925; d. Fontevellana, c1045). Monk. After serving as a priest in his native town, in the Marche, he took up the life of a hermit. He returned to civilization for a time and entered the Benedictine order. Once more determined to be a hermit, he moved into the mountains of the Abruzzi, where he eventually attracted a large number of follows. He finally settled at the monastery of S. Stephano at Fonteavellana, remaining there until his death at the reputed age of 120.

Amigoni, Jacopo: (b. 1682, Naples. d. 1752, Madrid). Painter. He was part of the Venetian School. Principal Works: Juno Receiving the Head of Argos (oil on canvas): 1730-32.Venus and Adonis (oil on canvas): c1740. Venus and Adonis (oil on canvas): unknown date.

Aminaea: A ancient city on the southern Italian mainland. Its location is now uncertain although evidence indicates that it may have been near the Agro Falerno. It had a reputation for producing high quality wine.

Amiternum: (It. Aminterno): An ancient Sabine city located on the river Ateno, on the site of the modern frazione of San Vittorino (AQ), about 9 km NW of L’Aquila. (full entry)

Ammirato, Scipione (aka Il Vecchio, the Elder): (b. 1531, Lecce; d. 1601, Florence). Publicist and historian. Having studied law in Naples, he became canon of the Cathedral at Florence in 1595, where he won the friendship and patronage of Cosimo I de’ Medici family and his family. Among his many historical works was Istorie Fiorentine, a work commissioned by Cosimo I, which covered Florentine history to the year 1574. Two other important works dealt with the great noble families of Naples and Florence.

Amodei, Cataldo: (b. 1650, Sciacca (AG); d. 1695, Naples). Composer. He produced vocal and instrumental works. His principal work was the opera La sirena consolata (1692).

amonine: An expression used in Sicily to spur on a horse. Literally meaning “Let us go together”, it is the equivalent to “git-up” or “gee-up.”

Amore, Nicola: (b. 1830, Roccamonfina [CE]; d. 1894, Naples). Advocate and politician. In 1860, he became Quaestor of Naples, and served in the Chamber of Deputies from 1865 to 1878. In 1884, he was elected as mayor of Naples and retained that office until 1889.

Amorelli, Giuseppe: (b. 1850, Sambuca di Sicilia [AG]; d. 1930). Poet.

Amorosi (BN): A commune in the province of Benevento. Population: 2,903 (2007e); 2,905 (2006e).

Ampelius, St.: (d. cAD 302, Messina). Martyr. He was executed with St. Caius during the “Great Persecution” under the Emperor Diocletian. Feast Day: Nov. 20.

Amphinomus: See Anapius and Amphinomus.

Amphitheatre: An oval-shaped, Roman structure used for the performing of gladiatorial combats, etc. (full entry)

amphora: A large ceramic container used extensively in the Greco-Roman world. Typically, amphorae had narrow necks and 2 handles, and were used for storing and/or transporting liquids (i.e. wine, olive oil, etc). There are, however, examples of amphorae containing dry foodstuffs. Amphorae surfaces were often decorated with painting or etching. There is no evidence for any developed amphora-making center in ancient Sicily. All examples found on the island appear to have been imported from mainland Italy or elsewhere. Although the volume of true amphorae was relatively standard, there were some differences over time. A Greek amphora had a capacity of about 9 gallons, while a Roman one carried about 6 gallons.

Ampollino, Lago: An artificial lake in Calabria formed by the damming of the river Ampollino. Located at an altitude of 1279 m, it is about 10 km long and about 1,500 meters wide.

Ampollino, River: A river (length: 29 km) in the Calabrian provinces of Cosenza and Catanzaro. Rising on Monte Cardoneto (1,684 m), its course is blocked at one point to form the artificial Lago Ampollino. Its flow eventually continues and is finally captured by the river Neto.

Ampsactus: An ancient city in Campania located on the site of modern Rocca San Felice [AV].

Ampsactus (or Ampsanctus), Lacus: Ancient Samnite name for the Lago Amsancti, in the province of Avellino.

ampulla: a bottle used by the by Romans to preserve liquids. Usually made of glass or ceramic, it generally had two handles and a globular body which narrowed towards the mouth. Ampullae have been found at several archaelogical sites on both the Italian mainland and Sicily.

Amsancti, Lago (anc. Lacus Ampsa(n)ctus): A small lake in Campania (province of Avellino) located in a valley to the E of Naples. It has been famous since ancient times for the sulfurous fumes in a nearby cave.

amulet: A charm, usually worn around the neck, used to bring luck or ward off evil. (full entry)

Anacapri (NA): A commune in the province of Napoli.

Anacletus (Cletus), St.: Pope (r.AD 76/79-88). A martyr of Greek descent. He succeeded St Linus and was succeeded by St. Clement I.

Anagitia Diiva: See Angitia.

Anagtia: See Angitia.

Anan[…]: An important celator who produced coins in the ancient Sicilian city of Messana.

Anania, Giovanni Lorenzo: (b. Taverna, Calabria; fl. 16^th century). Scholar. He wrote a number of works including a treatise on the nature of demons (1581).

Anapius and Amphinomus: Two legendary brothers of ancient Sicily from Catana. They are remembered for their rescue of their parents from an eruption of Mt. Etna. Carrying their father and mother on ther shoulders, they attempted to flee from a stream of lava, but were overtaken. Miraculously the lava flowed to either side of them, sparing them from harm. In Greek Sicily, they were accorded divine honors.

Anapo >(anc. Anapus, Apapos), River: A river (length: 59 km) in E Sicily famous for its papyrus. Rising on the S slope of Monte Lauro, in the W part of the Monti Iblei range, it flows in a generally E direction past Palazzolo Acréede and Floridia, and empties into the Porto Grande to the S of Siracusa. Although the volume of the river isn’t great, it continues to maintain a steady flow year-round. Near its mouth, the Anapo receives the waters of the river Ciane. In 1950-51, a hydro-electric plant was built at a point where the river flows past Palazzolo Acréede.

Anapus (Grk. Anapos): a river-god of ancient Sicily. He was probably the son of Oceanus and Tethys, and may have been the father of the Ortygiai nymphs and Cyane.

Anastasius I, St.: Pope. (rNov. 27, 399-Dec 19, 401). During his reign, he conciled the churches of Rome and Antioch. He opposed the views of Origen.

Anastasius II: Pope. (rAD Nov 24, 496-Nov 19, 498). He was placed by Dante among the Heretics in the 6^th Circle of Hell due to a mix-up with contemporary namesake, the Roman Emperor Anastasius I (rAD 491-518). He unsuccessfully attempted to reconcile the churches of Rome and Constantinople.

Anastasius III “Bibliothecarius”: Antipope (r855). He was set on the papal throne by the emperors Lothaire and Louis in opposition to Benedict III.

Anastasius III: Pope. (rApr 911-June 913).

Anastasius IV: Pope. (rJuly 8, 1153-Dec 3, 1154).

Anaxilas: See Anaxilaus (1).

Anaxilaus (or Anaxilas): (d. 476 BC). Tyrant of Rhegium (Rhegion) (r494-476 BC). (full entry)

Ancarano (TE): A commune in the province of Teramo.

Ancaru: Ancient Etruscan goddess of death.

ancestor worship or veneration: a very ancient religious custom found throughout the world. It is centered on the basic belief that the soul of a person survives the death of body and has the ability to still interact with the world of the living. It played an important role in the religious lives of the ancient Greeks and Romans and survived until modern times.

Anceta: A Paelignian form of Angitia (see which).

Anchises: A son of Capys and Themis, he was the father of the mythical Trojan hero Aeneas by the goddess Aphrodite. Already an old man at the time of Troy’s fall, he was rescued from the conflagration by his son, who carried him to safety upon his shoulders. Anchises accompanied the refugee Trojans during the first part of their journey west but, upon reaching Egesta in western Sicily, finally died. Elaborate funeral games were held in his honor and a fine shrine was dedicated to him at Egesta (Drepanum). Later, when Aeneas visits the underworld with the Sibyl of Cumae, he meets with the shade of Anchises and is told about the future importance of Rome.

Ancinale, River: A river (length: 44 km) in Calabria. Rising on M. Pecoraro (1423 m), it flows into the Golfo di Squiliace near Soverato Marina.

Ancora, Gaetano d’: (b. 1757, Naples; d. 1816). Writer and antiquary. He served as professor of Greek at the University of Naples. His works include “Memoir on the Observance of Silence by the Ancients” (1782) and “Researches on some Metallic Fossils of Calabria” (1791).

Ancus Martius: (d. 616 BC). Fourth king of Rome, he was the grandson of Numa Pompilius. During his 24 year reign, he revised the laws and religious practices of the Romans. He was a formidable military leader who was victorious in battle against the Latins. To expand the Roman economy, he founded the port of Ostia.

Andali (formerly Villa Aragona) (CZ): A commune in the province of Catanzaro. Population: 888 (2006e).

Andelais: See Audelais.

Ando, Flavio: (b. 1851, Palermo; d. 1915). Actor.

Andrano (LE): A commune in the province of Lecce. Population: 5,118 (2006e).

Andrea, Alessandro: (b. 1519, Barletta). Historian.

Andrea, Francesco: (b. 1625, near Amalfi; d. 1698). Jurist. He established himself at Naples.

Andrea, Girolamo: (b. Apr. 12, 1812, Naples; d. May 15, 1868, Rome). Ecclesiastic. After having served as bishop of Sabina, he was created a cardinal in 1852. A supporter of the Italian unification and Church reform, he was disciplined in 1867 for supposed disloyalty to the Papal See. After doing penance, he was reinstated but died shortly after.

Andrea (or Andreas), Onufrio: (b. Naples; d. c1650). Poet. Among his many works is the heroic poem Italia Liberata (1646). 

Andrea da Salerno (Andrea Sabatini): (b. 1484, in Salerno; d. 1530). Painter.

Andrea Dell’Aquila: (b. L’Aquila; fl. mid-15^th century). Painter and sculptor. In 1456, he was one of the sculptors who worked with Isaia da Pisa on the triumphal Arch of Alfonso I at Naples.

Andreas, Onufrio: See Andrea, Onufrio.

Andreozzi, Gaetano: (b. May 22, 1755, 1763 or 1775, in Aversa; d. Dec. 21 or 23, 1826, Paris). Dramatic composer. A student of Niccolo Jommelli, he enjoyed early success in Italy. In 1784, he toured Russia. Returning to Naples, he became a director at Naples in 1790. In the following year he moved to Spain where he filled a similar role at Madrid. After returning home, he began a new phase of travels. In 1825, he settled at Paris, remaining there for the last few months of his life. During his career, Andreozzi composed 45 operas, 3 oratorios, and a set of string quartets.

Andretta (AV): A commune in the province of Avellino. Population: 2,147 (2007e); 2,188 (2006e).

Andrew, St (1): (fl. 1^st Century AD). Roman Catholic saint. Patron saint of Amalfi. According to tradition, he was crucified and buried at Patras in Greece. After the seizure of power by the Christians in the 4^th Century AD, Andrew’s remains were transferred to Constantinople. There they remained until 1210 when they were stolen and brought to Amalfi to be reinterred is a church dedicated to Andrew. In 1879, the archbishop of Amalfi agreed to send some of the remains (a piece of the saint’s shoulder bland) to Scotland where Andrew was also the patron saint. In 1969, Pope Paul VI had more of the relics sent there.

Andrew, St (2): (b. Syracuse; d. c AD900). Martyr. With SS Anthony, John, and Peter, he was captured by the Saracens and deported from Sicily to North Africa. Soon after his arrival there he was executed. Feast Day: Sept. 23.

Andrew of Montereale, Bl.: (b. 1397, Mascioni [AQ]; d. 1480). Monk. At the age of 14, he joined the Order of Augustinian Hermits. Having been ordained, he traveled throughout Italy and France as a preacher. He later served as Provencial for his order in Umbria. His cult was confirmed by Pope Clement XIII in 1764. Feast Day: Apr. 12.

Andrew II of Naples: Duke of Naples (AD 834-840). (See Full Page)

Andria (BA): A commune in the province of Bari, located about 34 miles W of Bari and 8 miles from the Adriatic coast. Area: 407.86 km². Population: 98,069 (2007e); 97,835 (2006e); 95,653 (2001); 90,063 (1991); 84,661 (1981). It is a center for almonds, olive oil, and majolica ware. The famous Castel del Monte, built by Frederick II, is located nearby.

Andria, Nicola (or Niccolo): (b. 1748, Otranto; d. 1814). Scientific writer. He served at the University of Naples, successively holding the chairs of Natural History (1775), Physiology (1801), and Theory of Medicine (1808). Among his many works are “Elements of Chemical Philosophy” (1786), “Institutions of the Practice of Medicine” (1790), and “General Observations on the Theory of Life” (1804).

Andromachus: A tyrant of Tauromenium (mod.Taormina) in the mid-4^th century BC. He was the father of the historian Timaeus.

Andronicus, Marcus Livius: (b. Tarentum; fl. 3^rd Century BC). Latin Dramatist and poet. The author of many popular poems, he also produced a Latin translation of the Odyssey.

anemone: A flower widespread throughout Sicily. It is found in both the common rose-colored English variety, as well as a large purple variety.

Anfossi, Pasquale: (b. Apr. 25, 1727(1729, or 1736), Naples; d. Feb. 1797 (or 1795), Rome). Dramatic composer. A student of Nicola Piccinni, he traveled throughout his career, residing at various times in Paris, London, and Rome. Best known for his operatic works, including Antigone, L’Avaro and L’Incognita perseguitata (1773), he also composed oratorios, masses, and motets. His 1783 presentation of Curioso indiscreto at Vienna included three arias composed by Mozart. The two composers collaborated again in 1788, when Mozart composed an aria for Anfossi’s Le Gelosie fortunate. In 1792, Andossi began to specialize in religious music and became maestro di capella of S. Giovanni Laterano.

Angeleri, Pietro: See St. Celestine V.

Angeli, Francesco degli: (b. 1567, Sorrento; d. Dec. 21, 1623, Colela, Ethiopia). Jesuit missionary. Entering the Jesuit Order in 1583, he became a missionary and served for 2 years in India. In 1604, he was transferred to Ethiopia where he remained for the rest of his life. His efforts in Africa were principally with the pagan Agazi people, and included the translation of religious works into their language.

Angelis, Jerome de, Bl.: (b. 1567, Castrogiovanni [EN]; d. Dec. 4, 1623, Tokyo, Japan). Jesuit missionary and martyr. Having received an education in law, he entered the Jesuit Order at Messina in 1585. Receiving ordination at Lisbon, he was sent to Japan in 1601 or 1602, and became the first Christian missionary to reach the Japanese provinces of Yezo, Jasu, and Cai. He successfully worked at conversions for 22 years until the Japanese government acted against him. He was arrested and, with other missionaries, was burned at the stake in Tokyo. These martyrs were beatified by Pope Pius IX in 1867. Angelis’s feast day is Dec. 4.

Angelis, Secondo de: (fl. mid-18^th Century). An engraver at Naples. He produced several works on Herculaneum between 1757 and 1762.

Angell, Samuel: (b. 1800; d. 1866). An English architect who, in 1823, was one of the discoverers of the famous metropes at Selinunte (Selinus). He was also one of the scholars who discovered that ancient Greek architecture had been brightly painted. With his colleague William Harris, he excavated Temple C at Selinus without having first received permission. As they were examining the steps of the temple’s façade’ they uncovered the remains of its Doric frieze. When their work was interrupted by the authorities they shifted their work to a new location on the site where they discovered the metopes from temple F. Their intention to take their find back to England was discovered, they were forced to give up their prize. The metropes were confiscated and preserved in a museum at Palermo.

Angelo (or Angelus), St.: (d. 1220). Martyr. Few details of his life can be considered reliable. According to his legend, Angelo was the son of a converted Jew from Jerusalem. At age 18, he and his twin brother joined the Carmelite Order. After spending 5 years as a hermit, he received a message from God to go to Sicily. There he worked successfully at converting Jews to Catholicism at Palermo and Licata. It was in the latter town that he met the sister of Count Berenger and convinced her to reform her life. This infuriated Berenger who had been carrying on an incestuous relationship with his sister. Angelo was killed by either being stabbed or hung and shot with arrows. The center of his cult is at Licata. Feast Day: May 5.

Angelo of Acri, Bl.: (b. 1669, Acri; d. Oct. 30, 1739, Acri). Ecclesiastic. After two unsuccessful attempts to join the Capuchin Order, he was finally admitted in 1690. He was initially frustrated in his attempts to become a preacher but eventually achieved wide success in that role. In 1711, he preached during Lent at Naples and thereafter concentrated his efforts there and in Calabria. Many stories about Angelo claim that he possessed supernatural powers including healing, prophesizing, visions, and bilocation (being two places at the same time). He was beatified by Pope Leo XII in 1825. Feast Day: Oct. 30.

Angelo of Furchio, Bl.: (b. 1246, Furcio (or Furci) [CH]; d. 1327, Naples). Theologian. After his parents had a religious vision, Angelo entered the Augustinian Order at a very young age, but was required to return home at the age of 18. Soon returning to the Order, he studied in Paris for two years. Angelo eventually became a noted professor of theology at the Augustine College at Naples. Leo XIII confirmed his cult in 1888. Feast Day: Feb. 6.

Angelo of Gualdo, Bl.: (b. c1265, in Gualdo [SA]; d. Jan. 25, 1325). Religious hermit. Feast Day: Feb. 6. As a youth, he went on a number of pilgrimages, and eventually became a Camaldolese lay brother. Angelo lived as a hermit from 1285 until his death. His cult was confirmed by Leo XII in 1825.

Angelo, Gioacchino: (b. 1899, Palermo. d. (full entry)

Angelos: an ancient Greek word meaning “messenger” or “envoy.” It was used as a title for the goddess Artemis at Syracuse.

Angelotti, Francesco: (b. c1800, at Gaeta; d. 1839, Procida [NA]). Army officer. In 1834, while serving as a lieutenant in the 11^th regiment of Guards in the royal army of the kingdom of the Two Sicilies, he joined in a conspiracy to attempt to assassinate King Ferdinand II. When that attempt failed, he was arrested and sentenced to death. This sentence was commuted to life imprisonment and he was sent to the political prison on the island of Procida. In 1839, he was killed during an escape attempt.

Angelus Sinesius, Bl.: (b. c1385, Catania). Ecclesiastic. A Benedictine, he became abbot of the monastery of San Martino at Palermo. He helped to restore monastic discipline in Sicily. Feast Day: Nov. 27.

Angeriano, Girolamo: (fl. 1^st part of the 16^th Century). Neapolitan poet. His Erotopaegnion, a collection of love poems, was first printed in Naples in 1520. A reprint was done in Paris in 1542.

Angevins: A French dynasty which ruled the Kingdom of Naples from 1266 to 1435.

Angiolille (or Angiolillo)> (called Roccadirame): (b. Naples; fl. c1450-1500). Painter. A student of Antonio Solario (Il Zingaro), he produced several works for the churches of Naples. Among his best pieces was a painting in the church of S. Lorenzo, depicting the Virgin and Infant Jesus, with St. Francis, St. Anthony of Padua, and St. Louis.

Angitia (also called Anceta, Anagtia [Oscan], Anagtia Diiva, Angitiae): (See Full Page)             

Angitiae, River: A river (length: 20 km) of Calabria. It rises on M. Pizzinni (918 m) and flows into the Gulf of Sant’Eufemia, near Francavilla Angitola. During its course it captures the waters of the torrent Falla, the fosso Scuotrapiti and the fiumara Reschia.

Anglona: An ancient Lucanian city of uncertain location, although its site was probably in the vicinity of modern Tursi [MT]. (full entry)

Angri (SA): A commune in the province of Salerno. Population: 29,761 (2001).

Anguissola (or Anguisolla), Capt.: Minister of the Navy at Naples in 1860 under Garibaldi.

Anguissolla (or: Anguissola ), Sofonisba : (b. (full entry)

Ani: Etruscan sky god. He had several similarities to the Roman Janus.

Anianus of Celeda: (fl. early 5^th Century AD). Ecclesiastic. A native of Campania, he was a Christian deacon and a friend of Pelagus, whose doctrines he defended at  the Council of Diopolis in AD 415. He translated the Greek homilies of John Chrysostom into Latin.

Anicetus, St.: Pope (rAD 155 – 166). A native of Emesa, Syria, he succeeded St. Pius I and was succeeded by St. Soter.

Aniemolo, Vincenzo: See Vincenzo Ainemolo.

Anisio, Giovanni (Lat. Janus Anysius): (b. c1472, Naples; d. c1540). Latin Poet. Among the works he published were Jani Anysii Poemata et Satyrae, ad Pompeium Columnam cardinalem (Naples, 1531) and Protogenos Trajaedia (Naples, 1536).

Anjou: an historical county in northern France. The French dynasty of rulers of Sicily/Naples (1266-1442) known as the Angevins were so-called because its founder, Charles I (of Anjou) (1227-1285) already held the title of Count of Anjou when he conquered the Regno in 1266.

Annese, Gennaro: (d. 1648). Rebel leader. A leader in the 1647 Naples revolt against the Spanish colonial government.  He assumed overall control of the rebels after the assassination of Masaniello. He attempted to create a republican form of government under the patronage of France. Upon the arrival of a Spanish fleet, Annese was forced to surrender in April 1648. He was immediately arrested and executed soon afterward.

Anoia (RC): A commune in the province of Reggio Calabria.

Ansaloni, Bl. Giordano: (b. San Angelo, Sicily; d. 1634, Japan). Missionary and martyr. Entering the Dominican order, he served for several years in Mexico, where he wrote several biographies of prominent Dominicans. In 1625 he was sent to the Philippines and, in 1632, he was secretly sent to Japan, then in the midst of a persecution of Christians. He acculturized himself, dressing in the manner of a Japanese priest and using Japanese to communicate. In 1634, after two years, he was betrayed to the authorities who arrested him. After enduring torture for seven days, he was forced to witness the execution of 70 Christians. He was then martyred by suffocation.

Anselice di Palazzisi, Vallone: A waterway (length: 10 km) in Campania located in the province of Avellino. Rising in two sources, one on M. Mancini (708 m) and the other near Ariano Irpino, it flows into the river Ufita.

Anselmi, Giuseppe: (b. Nov. 16, 1876, Catania; d. May 29, 1929, Rapallo, Liguria). Tenor and composer. Originally a violinist, he turned to singing at the age of 18. In 1896, he made his debut at Turiddu. He sang at Covent Gardens in London in 1901, 1904, and 1909. Anselmi was noted by critics as one of the best masters of Italian bel canto. He also composed some musical works, icluding songs, piano pieces, and an orchestral Poema Sinfonica.

Anserano da Trani: (b. Trani, (BA); fl. 13^th century). Architect and sculptor. Centering his activities in his native Apulia, he created several notable architectural works in that region. These include the now-lost castle of Emperor Frederick II at Orta, the Tomba Falcone in the church of S. Margherita at Bisceglie, and the ogival portal of the church of the Madonna del Rosario at terlizzi. Another of his now-lost works was the tabernacle in the Duomo at Bari. Anserano was noted for his unique decorations and his technical abilities.

Antennamare, Monte: A mountain (alt. 1,124 m) in the Peloritani range, located to the SW of Messina.

Anterstatai: An ancient Samnite deity worshipped as a protectress of boundaries. She can be compared with the Latin goddess Stata, whom the Romans venerated as a protectress of streets and public places.

Anterus, St.: Pope (rAD 235-Jan. 3, 236). He was a native of Greece.

Anthandros: (fl. 2^nd half of the 4^th century BC). A nobleman of ancient Syracuse. He was the brother of the tyrant Agathocles, and produced a biography of him. Under his brother, he served as a general (strategos) against the Bruttians. In 310 BC, when Agathocles departed on his unsuccessful campaign to North Africa, Anthandros remained behind in Syracuse to act as his agent.

Anthemius: (b. cAD 420, Constantinople; d. July 11 AD 472, Rome). Roman emperor in the West (r467-472). Considered by many to have been the last able Western Roman Emperor, he came from a distinguished background. He was born into distinguished patrician family. He was a descendent (probably the paternal grandson) of Procopius, who had seized the imperial throne at Constantinople in AD 365-66, and was thus related to the Emperor Julian (AD 360-363), last of the Dynasty of Constantine. His father, Procopius served as Master of soldiers in the East (AD 422-424), while his maternal grandfather and namesake, Anthemius, was Praetorian Prefect of the East (AD 405-414) and consul (AD 405). His wife was Aelia Marcia Euphemia, daughter of the Emperor Marcian (rAD 450-457).

Anthes, St.: (d. AD 303, Salerno). Martyr. With SS. Caius and Fortunatus, he was executed during the persecution of Diocletian. Feast day: Aug. 28.

Anthimus (Anthemus) of Naples: Duke of Naples (AD 801- c818). Soon after coming to power, he received an order from the Byzantine Patrician of Sicily to send ships to help combat the Saracens. Although nominally the subordinate of the Patrician, Anthimus refused to honor the order and declared his neutrality. Later, in 812, the Byzantines attempted to begin a new offensive against the Saracens, calling on coastal Italian city-states for help. While Amalfi and Gaeta agreed to send aid, Andrew once more refused, essentially declaring Naples an independent state. It was not until c818 that the Byzantines were able to oust Anthimus from power and reestablish their authority in Naples.

Antillo (ME): A commune (area: 43.4 km² alt. 480 m) in the province of Messina. Population: 1,056 (2006e); 1,279 (1991). It is located 54 km SW of Messina, situated on a spur of the Ionic slope of the Montagna Grande of the Monti Peloritani, near the sources of the Agro. The economy is based principally on agriculture and stock-raising.

                Throughout its history, Antillo has been closely associated with Savoca (ME). Major earthquakes were felt here in 1905, 1908, 1975, 1978, 1980, and 1990.

Antinori, Antonio Ludovico: (b. 1704, L’Aquila; d. 1788, L’Aquila). Antiquary and ecclesiastic. Of noble birth, he served as bishop in the sees of Lanciano, Acerenza, and Matera. He was an avid collector of documents related to the history of Abruzzo and wrote a 4 volume “Historical Memoirs of the Provinces of the Abruzzi”  (1781-84). Much of his library is now preserved in the Biblioteca Tommasiana in L’Aquila.

Antiochus of Syracuse: (b. Syracuse; fl. c440-420 BC). Siciliot-Greek historian. The son of Xenophanes, he wrote excellent histories of Greek Sicily and Italy which, unfortunately, have not survived. His History of Syracuse, written in Ionic Greek, covered the period from the early mythic times of King Cocalus to the congress of Gela in 424 BC. It was an important source of information for Thucydides. His other important work, the Colonizing of Italy, was also used as a source by Strabo and Dionysius of Halicarnassus. Overall, Antiochus had a reputation for reliability in his writings.

Antiphates: A mythical king of the Laestrygonians who attacked Ulysses. The Roman poet Ovid (Meta. xiv, 223-319; xv, 622-745) places the scene of the action in Campania.

Antiphemus: (b. Rhodes; fl. 7^th century BC). Colonist. In 688 BC, he commanded the contingent of Rhodian colonists who participated in the founding of Gela in Sicily.

Antiphon (Antiphontus): (fl. early 4^th century BC). Greek tragic poet. A member of the court of Dionysius I of Syracuse, he assisted that tyrant in writing dramatic plays. He eventually lost Dionysius’s favor and was executed. Only a few titles and some fragments survive of his works.

Antiphus: A Greek warrior from Ithaca during the Trojan War. He escaped injury during that conflict, protected by an oracle which stated that he was fated to die in Sicily. After the war he was part of Odysseus’s crew who land in the land of the Cyclopses. There he was killed and eaten by the monstrous Polyphemus. Traditionally, Polyphemus and his fellow Cyclopses lived in a region of eastern Sicily near Mt. Etna, thus fulfilling the oracle.

antipope: a pontiff elected in opposition to one who was canonically chosen. Confusion is often created in papal lists because of the names and numbers given to antipopes. Sometimes gaps in the numbering sequence appear to compensate for the names and numbers attached to such antipopes as Felix II (r356-357), Boniface VII (r974, 984-985), John XVI (r997-998), Benedict X (r1058-1059) and Alexander V (r1409-1410).  Some pontiffs, such as Leo VIII (r963-5), Benedict V (r964), and Sylvester III (r. 1045), have somewhat ambiguous status, being listed as a legitimate pope in some sources, and an antipope in others. There is even an example of one name and number, John XXIII being used for both an antipope (Baldassare Cosa, r1410-1415) and a canonically recognized pope (Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli, r1958-1963).

Antirrhinum (Snapdragon): A flower found commonly throughout Sicily, where it is known as the Bocca di leone. It is found in two varieties, one flesh-colored and another bright orange and lemon colored.

antis, in: An architectural term to describe a porch terminating in columns. It was a common feature on Greek temples in ancient Sicily.

Antonelli: A family with Sicilian and southern Italian origins who produced several military engineers responsible for many significant Spanish fortifications in the Old and New Worlds. Among these works were the fortifications at St. Augustine (Florida), Argentina, and Cuba (Morro Castle).

Antonelli, Battista: (b. c1550, Gaeta; d. 1616, Madrid). Military engineer. After constructing several military coastal fortification works for the Spanish in the Mediterranean, he went to Cuba in 1584. There he planned and supervised the construction of Morro Castle and the Punta Fortress at Havana (1589). While these projects were still under construction, Antonelli went to Vera Cruz, Mexico, where he created the plans for the fortress of San Juande Ulua. Returning to Cuba, he remained there for several years before returning to Spain. He is sometimes confused with his brother Giovanni Battista Antonelli (1).

Antonelli, Francesco: (d. 1663). Military engineer. Son of Giovanni Battista Antonelli (1) and nephew of Battista Antonelli, he served as a military engineer for Popes Urban VIII and Innocent X, and for the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick III.

Antonelli, Giovanni: (b. 1838, L’Aquila; d. 1914, Toledo). Anatomist. A teacher of anatomy in Naples in 1871, he wrote important studies on the branchial plexus, on brain convulsions, and on the cardiac muscles.

Antonelli, Giovanni Battista (1): (b. Naples; d. 1588, Toledo, Spain). Military engineer. Often confused with his brother, Battista Antonello, he was the father of Francesco Antonelli. He entered the service of King Philip II of Spain after 1559. He was noted for his talents with hydraulics. In 1587, he joined his brother in the New World and devoted much time to the possibility of digging a canal across Panama.

Antonelli, Giovanni Battista (2) (sometimes called il Giovan): (b. 1585; d.1649, Cartagena, Spain). Military engineer. The son of Battista Antonelli and the nephew of Giovanni Battista Antonelli, he also journeyed to the New World where he created several military fortifications of the Spanish in the West Indies.

Antonelli, Luigi: (b. 1882, Atri (TE); d. 1942, Pescara). Comedy writer. One of his best-known works was L’uomo che incontro se stesso (1918).

Antonello da Caserta: (fl. 14^th and 15^th centuries). Musician. He was a representative of the Ars nova (New Art  movement). He produced several songs written in French.

Antonello da Messina: (b. c1430, Messina. d. (full entry)

Antonello da Saliba: (b. c1466; d. c1535). Painter. Nephew Antonello da Messina, he received his training in the Venetian studio of his cousin Jacobello d’Antonello. Even though his early works show definite influences present as well. Interestingly, as he aged, these Venetian qualities disappear and his works take on a truly Sicilian aspect. He was the brother of Pietro da Sabila.

Antoni, Antonio d’: (b. June 25, 1801, Palermo; d. Aug. 18, 1859, Trieste). Composer. He wrote instrumental and vocal music. His principal works were the operas Un duello ((1817); Amina ossia L’orfanella di Ginevra (1825); Amazilda e Zamoro (1826); and La festa dell’Archibugio (1829).

Antonimina (RC): A commune (area: 22.46 km²; alt. 327 m) in the province of Reggio Calabria. Population: 1,532 (1991). It is located 110 km NE of Reggio di calabria, situated in the valley of the river Portigliola. The commune has several mineral springs.

                Major earthquakes struck here in 1783, 1894, 1905, 1907, 1908, 1975, 1978, and 1980.

Antonini, Annibale (Abbé Antonini): (b. 1702, Centola (SA); d. 1755, Naples). Ecclesiastic and scholar. Having settled in Paris, where he was known as Abbé Antonini, he spent the next 25 years in France before returning to his homeland. Between 1729 and 1746, he edited several Italian editions of Italian classics. During his career he wrote an Italian grammar and an Italian-French dictionary.

Antonini, Giuseppe: (b. 1683, Centola (SA); d. 1765, Giugliano). Scholar and magistrate. A nobleman, he held the title of Barone di S. Biase. As a scholar he wrote a study of Lucania (publ. 1745).

Antoninus of Sorrento, St.: (b. probably Picenum; d. AD 830). Ecclesiastic. Entering the Benedictine order as a youth, he traveled to Castellamare, where he joined that city’s bishop, St. Catellus, as a hermit on nearbt Monte Angelo. Having received a vision of St. Michael the Archangel, they constructed an oratory dedicated to that figure. After Catellus’s arrest and imprisonment at Rome, Antoninus remained at the oratory, which eventually became a place of pilgrimage. He later became the abbot of the monastery of S. Agrippinus at Sorrento, and served as the prelate for that town when their bishop was in prison. According to his legend, long after his death, Antoninus saved Sorrento from a Saracen attack. Feast Day: Feb. 14.

Antonius Creticus, Marcus: (b. c 70 BC). Roman magistrate and general. The son of Marcus Antonius the Orator, he served as Praetor in 75 BC. He received command of the Roman fleet in 74 BC, with instructions to track down the pirates then preying on shipping in the Mediterranean. Instead of fulfilling his commission, however, he spent most of his term plundering the cities and towns of Sicily for his own profit. When he was finally forced to move against the pirates, he attempted to attack their bases in Crete. The campaign proved to be a complete failure and he was given the epithet Creticus (Conqueror of Crete) as a derisive joke.

Antus, St.: (dates uncertain). Martyr. With fellow martyrs Fortunatus (1) and Gaius, he is one of the patron saints of Salerno.

Anversa degli Abruzzi (AQ): A commune (area: 31.78 km²; alt 560 m) in the province of L’Aquila. (See Full Page)

Anxa (LE): a former name for Gallipoli (LE).

Anxanum (CH): Ancient name for Lanciano (CH).

Anxia (mod. Anzi) (PZ): An ancient city in Lucania.

Anzalone, Cherubin: (b. Naples; fl. mid/late 19^th Century). Jesuit Missionary. He was sent to the United States where he eventually became the head of the Jesuit Conejos Mission in Colorado.

Anzano degli Irpini (AV): a former name for Anzano di Puglia (AV).

Anzano di Puglia (formerly Anzano degli Irpini) (FG): A commune (area: 11.12 km²; alt. 760 m) in the province of Foggia. (See Full Page)

Anzi: (anc. Anxia, Anxa, Ancie)(PZ): A commune (area: 76.74 km²; alt. (full entry)

Anzi, Fiumara d’: A river (length: 22 km) in the province of Potenza, Basilicata. It is formed from two sources: 1. the Torrente Marsiano which rises on the Tampa d’Albano (1,628 m), length: 8 km. and 2. Torrente Fiumicello, which rises on Monte Arioso (1,713 m), length: 7 km. These two streams unite near the station of Abiola Calvano.

                The Anzi flows into the river la Terra, near Masseria Pavese, to form the Torrente Camastra (length: 7 km). During its course, the Anzi receives the waters of the Fiumarella.

Apellun: an ancient Oscan deity, identified with the Greco-Roman god Apollo. Archaeological evidence shows that the Oscan population of Pompeii worshipped him. He also had followers among the Campanian mercenaries (Mamertini) who settled Messans in Sicily.

Apennines: (anc. Mons Apenninus ; It. (full entry)

Aph: Etruscan goddess of fertility.

Aphrodite: The Greek goddess of love and beauty, she was often identified with the Roman Venus, and the Phoenician-Carthaginian Ashtaroth. According to mythology, she was created in the froth of the surf on the shore of Cyprus, and her name may derive from the Greek word for “froth.” She was a popular deity in ancient Sicily in all three of these manifestations. Her principal shrine on the island was on Mount Eryx in W Sicily. This shrine was one of the most important in the ancient world and was too sacred for even the ruthless Roman governor Verres to dare to plunder. An offshoot of the cult of this shrine was located at Rome itself, at the temple of Venus Erycina.

Apice: (BN): A commune (area: 48.83 km²; alt. 255 m – at the communal seat of Apice Vecchio) in the province of Benevento. Located 18 km E of Benevento, it is situated on a hill along the right bank of the river Calore. Population: 5,707 (2007e); 5,700 (2006e); 5,687 (2001); 5,683 (1991); 6,626 (1961).

History: The commune was struck by the great earthquake of 1980.

Aplu: Etruscan god of thunder and lightning. He had several characteristics borrowed from the Greek god Apollo.

apoikia (pl. apoikiai): a term used for an ancient Greek colony or settlement. Many modern southern Italian cities and towns had their origins as ancient Greek apoikiai.

Apol…: a celator who produced coins at ancient Metapontum in pre-Roman times. His coins bear a signature of AIIOΛ.

Apollo: The Greek god of healing, oracles & prophecies, hunting, music and poetry. (full entry)

Apollo Archagetas (>or Archegatos): The earliest Greek deity to be worshipped in Sicily. A temple was dedicated to him at Naxos, the first Greek colony to be founded in Sicily. It was a common practice for sailors preparing to depart for Greece to make a sacrifice here in hope of a safe passage. Although the site of the original temple has been lost, its cella was transferred by the Naxians to Tauromenium when they migrated there. It eventually became part of the church of S. Pancrazio of Taormina.

Apollo Belvedere: A famous ancient Greek statue of Apollo now located in the Vatican. It is mentioned here because of the belief of some scholars that it originally stood at the base of the Nymphaeum at Syracuse.

Apollocrates: (fl. 2^nd half of the 4^th century BC). Eldest son of the tyrant Dionysius II of Syracuse. In 356 BC, he held the citadel of Ortygia for his father, but was eventually forced to surrender to Dion. Exiled from Syracuse, he returned to that city with Dionysius in 346 BC.

Apollodorus of Gela: (b. Gela, Sicily; fl. c320 BC). Greek comic poet. A contemporary of Menander, he contributed to the New Comedy. None of his works have survived.

Apollonia: (mod. Pollina or S. Fratello) (ME): Originally a Sikel town located on the N coast of Sicily, its site has not been excavated. (full entry)

Apollonius: (b. Athens; fl. 1^st century BC). A Greek sculptor who worked for a time in Magna Graecia. Among his works was the bronze Hermes discovered at the Villa of the Papyri in Herculaneum. The statue is now displayed in the National Museum at Naples.

Apollosa (BN): A commune (area: 21 km²; alt. 430 m) in the province of Benevento. Located 14 km SW of Benevento, it is situated to the left of the torrent Corvo, a tributary of the river Calore. Population: 2,739 (2007e); 2,733 (2006e); 2,797 (2001); 2,563 (1991).

Appello, Torrente (PE): A torrential stream (length: 12 km) in Abruzzo. It rises in the Boshi Sant’Onofrio on the Coste Pentelle. It flows into the Sangro in the Piani di Piazzano near Piccianello (PE).

Appian Way (Lat. Via Appia): The most famous of the Roman roads, is was built in 312 B.C. under the direction of Appius Claudius Caecus. It connected Rome with Capua and was later extended to Beneventum (now Benevento), Tarentum (Taranto), and, finally, Brundisium (Brindisi) (244 BC). It was the chief highway to Greece and the East. Its total length was more than 350 mi (563 km). The substantial construction of cemented stone blocks has preserved it to the present. Branch roads led to Neapolis (Naples), Barium (Bari), and other ports. On the first stretch of road out of Rome are interesting tombs and the Church of St. Sebastian with its catacombs. In 1784, Pope Pius VI built the new Appian Way from Rome to Albano, with a route paralleling with the ancient road. The width of the road averages about 20 feet.

Appignanesi, Ennio: (b. June 8, 1925, Belforte del Chienti, in Marche). Ecclesiastic. Ordained a priest in 1950, he was appointed bishop of Castellaneta (TA) in 1983. In 1988 he became archbishop of Matera-Irsina. In 1993, he was transferred to the archdiocese of Potenza-Muro Lucano-Marsico Nuovo, remaining there until his retirement in 2001.

Appius Claudius Caecus:  a powerful political figure in the Roman Republic, Appius Claudius left behind two major monuments to his political career: the Aqua Appia (Rome’s first major aqueduct) and the Via Appia (the most significant road through south Italy and the most famous of all Roman roads). Appius served as censor in 312 BCE, twice consul in 307 and 297, and praetor in 295. He worked to include poorer people in the different tribes of Rome to increase their influence in the tribal assembly, although this work was repealed in 304 BCE. Despite his attempts to expand plebian political power, Appius remained a traditionalist in religion, strongly opposing the entry of plebeians to two major priesthoods.

Aprèa, Giuseppe: (b. 1876 or 1879, Naples; d. 1946). Painter. Trained by F. Palizzi and D. Morelli, he was one of the artists who decorated the Petruzzelli Theater in Bari. During his career he painted several portraits and religious works. Examples of the latter can be found in several churches in Naples, Ravello, Avellino, and other cities. He taught at the Academy of Naples from 1908 to 1927.

Apricena: (FG): A commune (area: 171.45 km²; alt. (full entry)

Aprigliano: > (anc. Aprilianum)(CS): A commune (area: 121.27 km²; alt. (full entry)

Aprile, Giuseppe: (b. Oct. 28,1732, at Martina Franca [TA]; d. Jan. 11, 1813, Martina Franca). Castrato soprano and composer. Having received training in Naples from Gregorio Sciroli, he debuted as an operatic singer in Rome in 1752. From 1752 to 1756, he was a member of the Royal chapel in Naples. After this he toured throughout Italy and much of the rest of Europe. From 1763 to 1769 he was employed at the court in Wurtemberg. In 1770 he returned to Italy and performed that year in Naples, Bologna, and Milan. After a successful career of performing throughout Italy he settled at Naples where he became a teacher. As a composer he wrote several pieces of vocal chamber music.

Aprodita: A Messapic deity equivalent to the Greek goddess Aphrodite.

Aprustum (Abrystum) (poss. mod. Marcellina di Verbicaro [CS]). An ancient settlement in Lucania, it was located to the NW of Greek Thurii. Believed to have originally belonged to the pre-Sabellic Oenotri, it became a Bruttian settlement.. The name may derive from the Indo-European root *abhro- (=strong, mighty) which indicates that it might have been a well-fortified settlement. Another theory is that the name is related to Latin aper (aper) (=wild boar).

Aprutium: A name used during the 8^th century for modern Abruzzo.

Apscipo, River: A torrential stream in the province of Reggio di Calabria. It rises on the slopes of M. Montalto (M. Cocuzzo) in the Aspromonte. It flows SE and E for 42 km emptying into the Ionian Sea to the N of Capo Bruzzano. In its lower course it is called the La Verde.

apse (It. abside): The usually rounded (although sometimes polygonal or square) eastern end characteristic of medieval Sicilian churches; the recess as the end of the chancel. It usually contains an altar. Originally, the apse formed a section of a pagan temple where the statue of a deity would stand. They were also used in ancient baths and basilicas.

This structure is also called an apsis, a Late Latin term deriving from the Greek hapsis, which, in turn, comes from the verb haptein (= “to fasten”).

Apuli: An ancient people of SE Italy, they were the descendants of the Osci. They joined the Dauni in the settlement of ancient Apulia.

Apulia, Ancient: A region in southern Italy which, in its broadest sense, was roughly equivalent to the modern region of Puglia. It extended along the eastern coast of the “heel” of the Italian peninsula, to the SE of the territory of the Frentani. Roman Apulia, which encompassed an area of about 6,800 square miles, occupied the entire SE of the peninsula to the east of Lucania and Samnium. It was heavily cultivated with vineyards, and received mention by such writers as Strabo, Tibullus, Horace, and Pliny the Elder.

Apulia: (mod. Puglia): A region (area: 7,380 mi²; Population: 1,949,423 [1901]) which encompasses the “heel” of the Italian boot. (full entry)

Apulia & Calabria, Rulers of (AD 11th-12th centuries):

Counts (1043-1059), Dukes (1059-1127)

• William I “Iron-Arm” 1043-1049
• Drogo 1049-1051
• Humphrey 1051-1057
• Robert Guiscard 1057-1085
• Roger Borsa 1085-1111
• William II 1111-1127

Apulia et Calabria> (Regio II): one of the eight provinces of Italy created by the Roman Emperor Augustus in the late 1^st Century AD. It encompassed the area of what is now the region of Puglia. The province was governed by a praesides or corrector.

Apulian-Messapian (It. Apulo-messapica): an Iron Age culture centered in the southernmost tip of the “heel” of Italy. Reaching its height during the 8^th century BC, it was noted for its varieties of painted geometric ceramics. It consisted of several groups: pre-Greek Taras, Daunians, Peucetians, and the Messapians.

apuliense: A silver coin, equivalent to a soldo of the Norman Kingdom of Sicily during the reign of William II (1166-89).

Apulo, Gian Pietra: (fl. 15^th century). Jurist. In 1497, he published one of the first collections of laws in the Kingdom of Italy.

Part of The Encyclopedia of Southern Italy. ← Back to the A–Z index