Encyclopedia of Southern Italy: P
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P
Paccius (or Pactius): An ancient family name found throughout the Oscan-speaking peoples of southern Italy. Although often written as Pactius, it appears only as Paccius on inscriptions. Paccianus is a derivative of the name.
Paccius and Vibius: (fl. 209 BC). Two brothers who belonged to the high nobility of the ancient Bruttii. Livy (xxvii.15) states that during the 2nd Punic War, they appeared before the Roman consul Q. Fabius to ask for pardon.
Paccius, Ovidius: (fl. 293 BC). A priest in the Samnite army mentioned by Livy (x.38).
Paccius Staius, Lucius:(date uncertain). An ancient Samnite meddix tuticus mentioned in an Oscan inscription on a cylindrical cistern at Pietrabbondante (IS). The inscription states that Paccius oversaw and financed the building of a water canal.
Pachynum: ancient name for the SE promontory of Sicily. According to mythology it was a favorite spot of the gods, who visited it each year.
Pacini, Giovanni: (b. 17 February 1796, Catania. d. 6 December 1867, Pescia). Composer. Having received his earliest musical instruction from his father, a tenor singer, he later received further education at Bologna and Venice. At the age of 17, he produced his first opera in Venice. He later served as ‘maestro di cappella’ to Napoleon’s widow. In 1834, he opened a music school at Viareggio. He wrote some theoretical treatises.
Pactius: See Paccius.
Padrino (pl. Padrini): Godfather.
Paestum: ancient city of Lucania, S Italy. It was a colony of the Greek city of Sybaris (c.600 B.C.) and was first named Poseidonia. It flourished with the rest of Magna Graecia through the 6th Century B.C. The Romans took the city in 273 B.C. renaming it Paestum. The ruins, near the present Pesto, include some of the finest and best-preserved Doric temples in existence.
Paisiello, Giovanni: (b. May 9, 1740, Taranto. (full entry)
Palermo (anc. Ziz; Panormos): The principal city and capital of the island and region of Sicily. A commune and provincial capital of the province of Palermo.
History: The city was founded as a trading colony by the ancient Phoenicians who named it Ziz = flowering. The modern name, however, comed from Panormos /Panormus (pan= wide; ormos= gulf/bay), the name by which it was known to the Greeks and Romans.
Palermo, University of: Founded in 1806.
Palermo Anno Uno (Palermo Year One): An anti-mafia organization founded in 1992. Based in Palermo, it serves as a private umbrella organization for various anti-crime groups.
Palici: (Grk. Palikoi ) (sing. (full entry)
palma (palm): a unit of length measure formerly used in the kingdom of Naples. It was the equivalent of 0.861 English foot.
Palomba, Antonio: (b. Dec. 20, 1705, Naples; d. 1764, Naples). Librettist, poet.
Palomba, Giuseppe: (fl. 1769-1792). Librettist, poet. He was active in Puglia.
Panarea: an island of the Isole Eolie (Lipari Islands).
Pandenulf: Prince of Capua (r862-863; 879-882). Deposed by his uncle, Landulf II, in 863, he was reinstated in 879.
Pando: Prince of Capua (r861-862).
Pandosia: A city of ancient Bruttium.
Pandateria: Ancient name for the island of Ventotene.
Pandulf I “Ironhead”: Prince of Capua (943-981).
Pandulf II: Prince of Capua (1007-1022).
Panfilo: Bishop of Capua (r?). It is known that he occupied the see sometime between Vincenzo (r337-365) and S. Rufino (r410-420).
Panormita, Antonio: See Beccadelli, Antonio.
Panormus: ancient Greek name for Palermo. The name derives from the Greek words meaning “All Harbor” and refers to the superior nature of the city’s port.
Pantaros: an athlete of ancient Gela. He was victor in the Tethrippon at the Olympian Games in 508 BC.
Pantelleria: A small Mediterranean island located 55 miles from Capo Granitola (Sicily) and 46 miles from Cape Bon (Tunisia). Despite its small size, the island has several settlements many of which survive from Arabic times: Bugheber, Bukkuram, Gelkhamer, Khamma, Rekhale, and Seba. Under the Saracens, the island was called Bent al-rion, “Daughter of the Winds.”
The island was first settled by the ancient Phoenicians who terraced hillslopes and dug cisterns in order to make the place productive.
Pantelleria is known for its capers and sweet wine, grown on the island’s only flat area called the Piana di Ghirlandaia.
Pantocrator (All Powerful): an image of Christ, either painted or mosaic, portrayed with outstretched arms. One of the best examples of a mosaic Christ Pantocrator can be seen in the Cathedral of Monreale, Sicily.
Paolino, S.: Bishop of Capua (r835-843).
Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano: A national park situated in the southern part of the province of Salerno (Campania). The second largest park in Italy, it stretches from the Tyrrhenian coast to the foot of the Apennines in Campania and Basilicata, and it includes the peaks of the Alburni Mountains, of the Cervati and of the Gelbison and the coastal buttresses of Mount Bulgheria and Mount Stella.Area: 181,048 ha. It encompasses the communes of: Agropoli, Aquara, Ascea, Auletta, Bellosguardo, Buonabitacolo, Camerota, Campora, Cannalonga, Capaccio, Casalbuono, Casaletto Spartano, Casal Velino, Caselle in Pittari, Castelcivita, Castellabate, Castelnuovo Cilento, Castel San Lorenzo, Celle di Bulgheria, Centola, Ceraso, Cicerale, Controne, Corleto Monforte, Cuccaro Vetere, Feletto.
Parmenides (1): An athlete of ancient Kamarina, in Sicily. He was victor in the stadion at the Olympian Games in 528 BC.
Parmenides (2): An athlete of ancient Poseidonia. He was victor in the diaulos and the stadion at the Olympic Games in 468 BC.
Parodi, Renato: b. 14 Dec. 1900, Naples. d. 16 Mar. 1974, Rome. Composer.
Parthenope: In classical mythology, one of the Sirens. She had cult centers located in the cities of Neapolis (Naples) and Velia, in Magna Graecia.
Parthenopean Republic: [from Parthenope, an ancient name of Naples], state set up in Naples in Jan., 1799, by the French Revolutionary army under General Championnet and by liberal Neapolitans after the flight of King Ferdi… (full entry)
Paschal I: Pope. (rJan 25, 817-Feb 11, 824).
Paschal II: Pope. (rAug 13, 1099-Jan 21, 1118).
Passaro, Andrea: (fl. 1826-1850). Librettist. He was active in Naples.
pastiera napolitana: a pastry of Naples made at Easter time. It consists as a cheesecake with cooked, whole wheat berries (known as grano), diced candied fruit, and orange water in a pastry crust. The pastiera napolitana made in the United States often substitutes barley or rice instead of wheat berries.
Patriarch: Bishop of a patriarchal see.
Patrizio (Patrician): A title often used by influential families in many Italian cities.
Paul I: Pope. (rMay 29, 757-June 28, 767).
Paul II: Pope. (rAug 30, 1464-July 26, 1471). He was the nephew of Pope Eugene IV (r1431-1447).
Paul III: Pope. (rOct 13, 1534-Nov 10, 1549).
Paul IV: Pope. (original name Gian Pietro Carafa). (b. June 28, 1476, in Capriglia; d. Aug. 18, 1559). (rMay 23, 1555-Aug. 18, 1559). In 1505, He became bishop of Chieti and, in 1518 he was raised to the position of archbishop of Brindisi (to 1524). In 1536, he was chosen a Cardinal, and, in 1549 became archbishop of Naples to 1555.
Paul V: Pope. (rMay 16, 1605-Jan. 28, 1621).
Paul VI: Pope. (rJune 21, 1963-Aug 6, 1878).
Paupisi (BN): A commune in the province of Benevento. Population: 1,473 (2006e).
Pausilypum (mod. Posilippo): (=grief-assuaging). Originally the name for a grand villa near ancient Neapolis (Naples), it was willed to Augustus by Vedius Pollio. The name was later attached to the famed grotto/tunnel which was cut between Neapolis and Puteoli. It was created by the architect Cocceius, on the order of Marcus Agrippa. The tomb of Virgil was located near its western mouth.
Pazzano (RC): A commune in the province of Reggio Calabria.
Pedace (CS): A commune (area: 51 km²) in the province of Cosenza. Population: 2,078 (2006e).
Pedara (CT): A commune in the province of Catania. Population: 11,658 (2006e).
Pedivigliano (CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 929 (2006e).
Pelagian Islands (Isole Pelagie) (AG): A small group of volcanic islands (Lampedusa, Linosa, and Lampione) situated in the Mediterranean Sea between Malta and Tunisia. Totalling about 25.5 km² in area, they are attached to the province of Agrigento.
Pelagius I: Pope. (rApr. 16, 556-Mar 4, 561).
Pelagius II: Pope. (rNov 26, 579-Feb 7, 590).
Peligni: An ancient people who once inhabited parts of Abruzzo. Related to the Sabines, their principal towns included Corfinium and Sulmo (mod. Sulmona). Among the principal groups who rebelled against Rome during the Social War, they suffered severely from the depredations of Sulla.
Pellegrini, Camillo: (b. 1598, at Capua; d. 1663). Historian and antiquarian. Educated at the Jesuit College at Naples, he entered that order and was sent to Rome. There he began researching documents and other resources related to the history of the kingdom of Naples. He eventually published important works on the antiquities of ancient Capua and the medieval Lombard states.
Pelorus: ancient name for the NE promontory of Sicily, opposite from the toe of Bruttium (mod. Calabria).
Pepe, Guglielmo: (b. Feb. 14, 1783 at Squillace; d. (full entry)
pereko (Lat. pertica): a unit of length used by ancient Oscan people in Italy. It is believed to have been the equivalent of about 5 feet.
Pergolesi, Giovanni Battista: (b. 3 or 4 January 1710 (or 1704), in Jesi, Casoria Naples. d. 16 March 1736 or 1737, Pozzuoli). Composer. He is best known for creating church music. Educated at the De’ Poveri in Giesu Cristo conservatorio at Naples, he later was influenced by the styles of Vinci and Hasse. From 1730 to 1734, he worked at the Teatro Nuovo in Naples, mainly creating comic operas in Neapolitan dialect. After a short stay in Rome, he returned to Naples where he turned his talents towards composing church music. Poor health eventually forced him to take up residence in the cleaner environment of Torre del Greco. There he continued to compose religious music until his death.
Perrotta, Giuseppe: (b. March 19, 1843, Catania. d. Feb. 16, 1910, Catania). Operatic Composer. The son of a lawyer, he originally intended to follow a legal career, but upon graduating from law school at the age of 18, he chose to become a composer.During his career he composed 23 operas.
Persico, Mario: (b. 1892, Naples; d. 1977, Naples). Composer. He wrote several works including three operas, piano music, and vocals.
Pescara (PE): A commune and provincial capital of the province of Pescara. The city’s name derives from that of the nearby river which, in turn, comes from the Latin piscis (= “fish”).
Pescara-Penne, Archdiocese of: A Metropolitan archdiocese in the ecclesiastical region of Abruzzo-Molise.
Suffragans: Teramo-Atri
Conference Region: Abruzzo-Molise.
Area: 1,600 km²/ mi²):
Total Population: 288,207.
Total Priests: 194 (Diocesan: 133; Religious: 61)
Permanent Deacons: 16
Parishes: 126.
Pesce, Nicola: (or Cola): (fl. late 14 th Century). (full entry)
Petelia: A city of ancient Bruttium.
Peter, St. (Santo Pietro): (d. AD 64 or 67). The first pope, he was designated as the head of the Church by Jesus in AD 32, shortly before the latter’s crucifixion. He moved to Rome in cAD 40, where he presided as bishop for about 25 years before suffering martyrdom. His tomb is said to be located beneath the great altar of the Basilica named for him in the Vatican. All subsequent bishops of Rome (i.e. Popes) derive their supreme authority over the Roman Catholic Church by their successorship from St. Peter.
Peter: Bishop of Capua (r925-?).
Peter I: King of Sicily (Trinacria) (r1282-1285).
Peter (Pietro) II: (b. 1304, in Catania, Sicily; d. Aug. 15, 1342, Calascibetta, Sicily). King of Sicily (Trinacria) (r1337-1342). He was the son of King Frederick I of Sicily (d. June 25 1337). He married (23 Apr 1322) Elisabeth Princess of Carinthia.
Petraea (Petraia): In ancient Greek mythology, she was one of the Oceanid sea nymphs, a daughter of Oceanus. The name is also connected with the monstrous Scylla who plagued mariners in the Strait of Messina. The latter was said to live in or upon a great rock (Grk. = petra; Latin = petro-), thus giving her the name.
Phalaris “the Cruel”: Ruler of Akragas (r573-554 BC).
Philistides: (b. Syracuse; fl. late 4th century BC). Juggler. A member of Alexander the Great’s court, he was one of the performers at the mass-marriage ceremony at Susa in 324 BC.
Philistis: (fl. 3rd century BC). Queen of Syracuse. Wife of Hieron II. The daughter of an influential Syracusan citizen named Liptines, she married Hieron shortly after he seized power in Syracuse (275 BC). She became the mother of a son, Gelon (d. 216 BC) and 2 daughters, Damarata and Heraclia. She and her daughters were killed by a mob in 214 BC.
Philoctetes: A famous, though mythical, Greek archer from the Trojan War. After the fall of Troy, he immigrated to Campania where he battled against the Lucanians. He was eventually able to found the city of Crimissa, near Croton and Thurii. There he founded a sanctuary to Apollo, to whom he dedicated his famous bow, once welded by Heracles (Hercules).
Phintias: Ruler of Akragas (r286-280 BC).
Phoenician: The ethnic name for a people and their objects coming from the area of the modern Lebanon. Used as a period designation, it normally means c. 800-500 BC.
Phoenicusa: One of the seven principal islands of the Aeoliae Insulae (Aeolian Islands), off the N coast of Sicily.
Piano nobile: the main (usually the first) floor of a palazzo.
Piastra: Neapolitan: The principal currency used in the mainland portion of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. (full entry)
Piazza Armerina (EN): A commune in the province of Enna. Population: 20,768 (2006e).
Piazzi, Giuseppe: (b. Ponte, July 7, 1746; d. Naples, July 22, 1826). Astronomer. Well-educated at Milan, Turin, and Rome, he had already earned an excellent reputation as a mathematician when, in 1780, he was appointed as professor of higher mathematics at the Academy of Palermo. Once established there, he founded a royal observatory. It was there, on Jan. 1, 1801, that he discovered the first asteroid, which he named Ceres Ferdinandea, in honor of his patron, King Ferdinand of Naples. In 1817, he transferred to Naples where he developed the observatory founded there upon Capo di Monte by Murat.
Piccinni, Nicolo: (b. January 16, 1728, Bari. d. May 7,1800, Passy ,France). Composer.
Picciotto (pl. Picciotti): literally a Sicilian term meaning “boy.” In 1860, during Garibaldi’s invasion of Sicily, the contingent of his army comprised of Sicilian recruits were known as i picciotti che combatterono con Garibaldi (the boys who fight beside Garibaldi). These troops, drawn from the rural districts of the island, small gangs of brigands, recruited by Mazzini’s cohorts who organized the 1860 anti-Bourbon revolt on Sicily. After the fall of the kingdom of the Two Sicilies, these picciotti continued their assocation with the Palermo-based elements of the rebels, to form the organization that became the modern Mafia. The term picciotti is still used today for the young thugs who comprise the lowest level in the Mafia hierarchy.
Picenum: an ancient region of central Italy. Its territory was bounded on the W by the Apennines, on the E by the Adriatic Sea, on the N by the river Aesis (mod. Esino), and on the S by the river Suinus, although often the southern boundary is extended to the river Aternus (Pescara). Its southern part is partly encompassed within modern Abruzzo. The northern part of region was inhabited by the Piceni, a branch of the Sabines. The southern area, however, was occupied by the Praetutii, more likely of Liburnian origins. Northern Picenum was devoted largely to the growing of apples, while the southern part was famous for its fine wine.
pifara: A Sicilian double-reed musical instrument similar to an oboe, constructed in a single piece. It is comparable to the ancient shawn and to the smaller, Apennine piffaro. It was usually played in connection with drum during ceremonial processions.
piffaro (piffero): an Italian shawn, a double reed instrument similar to an oboe, commonly found in the Apennines. It is smaller than a Sicilian pifara (bifora), and is often played in duet with the zambogna.
piffero: See piffaro.
Pikler, John: (b. 1734, in Naples; d. 1791 in Rome). Gem-engraver. The son of the Tyrolian gem-cutter, John Anthony Pikler (1700-1779), he was trained in sculpting by Domenico Corvi. He became one of the most notable gem-engravers of his time. In 1769, Emperor Joseph II invited him to Vienna where he was knighted. After a stay in England, he returned to Rome in 1775, remaining there for the remainder of his life.
Pilatus, Leontius (or Leo Pilatus): (fl. mid-14th Century). Monk and scholar. A native of Calabria, he was one of the most important movers in the revival of classical learning in the West. He was the first teacher of Greek in Italy, and numbered Petrarch and Boccaccio among his pupils. He traveled through Greece collecting ancient Greek manuscripts to bring back to Italy for translation into Latin. While returning from one such journey, he was killed by a bolt of lightning.
Pinelli, Gianvincenzo: (b. 1535, in Naples; d. (full entry)
Pinne: Ancient name for Penne.
pinoli: pine nuts, particularly those of the Italian stone pine tree. They are often used in Sicily with currants in cuisine on Arab origins or influences.
Pisanelli, Giuseppe Ceva Grimaldi (Marchese di Pietracatella): (b. 1776). Statesman. He served as Minister Secretary of State/President of the Council of Ministers (Ministro Segretari di Stato – Presidente del Consiglio di Ministri) in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies from 1839 to 1848.
Pisano, Nicola: (fl. AD 1258-1278). Sculptor. Mistakenly thought to have been from Pisa because of his name and that much of his work is found there, reliable evidence shows that he was a native of Apulia. A major figure of his time, he was the founder of his own school of sculpture. His techniques and style in the magnificent pulpits and fountains he created reveal that his initial train occurred in southern Italy. His son, Giovanni Pisano (c1250- after 1314), an accomplished sculptor and architect in his own right, collaborated on many of his projects. Principal Works: Marble Pulpit for the Baptistery in Pisa: 1259.Pulpit for the Cathedral at Siena: 1265-1268.Fonte Maggiore (bronze & marble) at Perugia: 1278.
Pithecusa: Ancient name for Ischia.
pizzica tarantata: An old form of tarantella.
Pizzo (VV): A commune in the province of Vibo Valentia.
Pizzone (IS): A commune in the province of Isernia. Population: 343 (2006e).
Pius I, St.: Pope. (rAD 140/142-155).
Pius II: Pope. (rAug 19, 1458-Aug 6, 1464).
Pius III: Pope. (rSept 22-Oct 18, 1503).
Pius IV: Pope. (rDec 25, 1559-Dec 9, 1565).
Pius V: Pope. (rJan 7, 1566-May 1, 1572).
Pius VI: Pope. (rFeb 15, 1775-Aug 29, 1799).
Pius VII: Pope. (r Mar 14, 1800-Aug 20, 1823).
Pius VIII: Pope. (rMar 31, 1829-Dec 1, 1830).
Pius IX: Pope. (rJune 16, 1846-Feb 7, 1878).
Pius X, St: Pope. (rAug 4, 1903-Aug 20, 1914).
Pius XI: Pope. (rFeb 6, 1922-Feb 10, 1939).
Pius XII (Eugene Pacelli): Pope. (rMar. 2, 1939-Oct. 9, 1958).
Pizza chiena: Neapolitan dialect name for a pizza ripiena (=stuffed pie) traditionally made in Campania and Abruzzo during Easter. It utilizes ricotta, mozzarella, and prosciutto, as well as pork products and seasonings.
Planctai: A possible ancient name for the Lipari Islands.
Plotinus: b. AD 204, Lycopolis, Egypt; d. (full entry)
Poli, Giuseppe Saverio: b. 1746, Molfetta; d. 1825. Physiologist. Educated at the University of Padua, he joined the army and, in 1776, was appointed professor of military geography at Naples by King Ferdinand I. Under that king’s direction, he was sent to various military academies in France, Germany, England and Holland, to study the different techniques. While visiting London, he became a member of the Royal Society. Upon his return to Naples, Poli took the post of professor of experimental philosophy at the university. He later became tutor to the crown prince and served as director of the military academy at Naples. He published an excellent illustrated work on anatomy, as well as others on geography and poetry.
polis: an ancient Greek city-state.
Polyphemus: (Polphemos): one of the lawless race of cannibal Cyclopes said to have inhabited eastern Sicily in mythological times. (full entry)
polyptych (Ital. polittico): a painting executed on several attached wooden panels.
Polystephanos Theo: An ancient Sicilian goddess similar in her aspects to the Greek Artemis. She had an important sanctuary near Butera [CL] which was in use from the archaic era to Roman imperial times.
Pomperio: Name of an ancient Oscan festival.
Pontano (Pontanus), Giovanni-Gioviano: (b. 1426, Cerreto, Umbria; d. (full entry)
Ponti delle Valle: an aqueduct built by the 18th century architect Vanvitelli to carry water to the gardens of the Palazzo Reale at Caserta. Rising 200 feet in height, this 3-tiered structure measures a length of 24 miles.
Pontine Marshes: A large tract of marshy ground in the southern portion of Latium (Campagna di Roma). Extending inland from the coast of the Sea of Tuscany for about 25 miles, from Cisterna on the N to Terracina on the S, it marked part of the former frontier between the Papal States and kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
Pontian, St.: Pope. (rJuly 21, 230-Sept 28, 235).
population of southern Italy, ancient: Throughout ancient times most the southern Italian mainland was thinly population. At the end of the Second Punic War, much of what had existed in many areas was wiped out during Hannibal’s depredations and the Roman efforts to stop him. Campania was the only area which enjoyed a free population of any size. Prior to the Samnite Wars, the Italic Samnites did experience significant spurts in their population. These were usually dealt through emigration to new areas. The Samnite Wars, however, caused profound change. The loss of fertile agricultural lands to the Romans meant the need for a smaller population.
Porcellio, Pietro: b. c1400, at Naples. Historian and poet. His surname is said to derive from the fact that he worked as a swineherd in his youth. Whatever his background, he was sufficiently educated and cultured to earn the position of secretary to Alfonso, king of Naples. He also won the admiration of the noted general Frederic, duke of Urbino. Leaving Naples, he was with the Venetian army in 1452, wrote a history of the Venetian Count Piccinino against Francesco Sforza.
Porphyry (orig. Melech): b. AD 233 in Tyre, Phoenicia; d. cAD 304 in Rome. Neo-Platonist philosopher. He was a follower of Plotinus and was a bitter enemy of Christianity. Having received a fine education from Origen at Caesarea and from Longinus at Athens, he came to Rome in AD 253 and became a follower of Plotinus. Much of what is known about the life and teachings of Plotinus is thanks to the writings of Porphyry. In AD 268, Porphyry moved to Lilybaeum in Sicily, remaining on the island for many years. His attachment to Sicily was so great that he was often referred to Siculus. During these years, he composed 15 books in which he condemned Christianity. These writings were considered so dangerous that the Christian Emperor Theodosius I later ordered them to be burned. Porphyry later returned to Rome where he died.
Porpora, Nicola: (b. August 17, 1685 or 1686, Naples. d. March 3, 1767 or 1768, Naples). Composer. He was sometimes called the “Patriarch of Harmony.” Having studied under Alessandro Scarlatti, he traveled through Germany and Austria. In 1717, he produced his first opera, Arianna e Tesio, in Vienna. From there he began a successful career throughout Europe. Porpora eventually served as the master of the Incurabili Conservatorio at Venice. He retired to his native Naples remaining there until his death.
portico: a covered entrance to a building, or a porch.
Postumius Albinus Paullulus, Sp.: (fl. 1st part of the 2nd century BC). Roman statesman. He was given the name Paullulus (little Paullus) because of his short stature. In 183 BC he served as praetor in Sicily, and was elected consul in 174 BC.
Potenza (PZ): A commune and provincial capital of the province of Potenza. Regional Capital of Basilicata.
Potenza, Province of: A province in the region of Basilicata.
Potenza-Muro Lucano-Marsico Nuovo, Archdiocese of: A Metropolitan archdiocese in the Ecclesiastical Region of Basilicata.
Conference Region: Basilicata
Area: 1,634 km²/ mi²
Total Population: 159,194.
Total Priests: 119 (Diocesan: 83; Religious: 36)
Permanent Deacons: 19.
Parishes: 59.
Pozzallo (RG): A commune in the province of Ragusa.
Pozzilli (IS): A commune in the province of Isernia. Population: 2,262 (2006e).
Pozzuoli (NA): A commune in the province of Napoli.
Praetutii: An ancient people who inhabited the area of Picenum south of the river Salinello (anc. Helvinus), near the Adriatic coast. It is believed that the name of Abruzzo is derived from their name.
Presepio: a manger scene, also known as a crib or crèche. These presepe have been a favorite Christmas tradition since medieval times. Among the most famous are those created by the craftsmen of Naples. These tend to be the most detailed and elaborate manger scenes and often include characters having nothing to do with the original nativity story. Presepe might also vary according to the particular region where the craftsmen live. For example, in the coastal towns of Sicily, many materials drawn from the sea (e.g. coral, alabaster, mother-of-pearl) are added to the scenes.
Preti, Cavalier Mattia (called Il Calabrese): b. 1613, at Taverna, Calabria; d. 1699, Malta. Painter. Having traveled through several cities in north and central Italy (Parma, Modena, Rome, Venice, and Bologna), he produced several religious works. The quality of his work earned him an invitation from the Grand Master to come to Malta to decorate the Cathedral. Preti created several frescoes on the life of St. John the Baptist. As part of his reward he was inducted as a knight into the order. Preti returned to Italy, residing for a time at Naples, producing a number of works. He developed a deep resentment towards Luca Giordano, whose success at Naples disgusted him so much that he returned to Malta, remaining there for the rest of his life.
Primaldi, St. Anthony: See St. Anthony Primaldi.
Primate: Bishop of a primatial see. He holds the honorific of “First among equals” among the bishops of a country. Not every country has a primate.
Principato (= Principality): Name for a territory of the former Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (Naples). It was subdivided into Principato Citeriore and Principato Ulteriore. Its territory comprised parts of ancient Campania and Lucania
Principato Citeriore (sometimes Principato Citra): A former province of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. It is roughly equivalent to the Campanian province of Salerno. The name means “the Near Principality”, so-called “near” for being the closer of the two “Principato” provinces to Naples. The capital was located at Salerno.
Principato Citra: See Principato Citeriore.
Principato Ulteriore (sometimes Principato Ultra): A former province of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. It is roughly equivalent to the Campanian provinces of Avellino and Benevento. The name means “the Far Principality”, so-called “far” for being the farther of the two “Principato” provinces from Naples. Its territory encompassed parts of ancient Samnium and Apulia. The capital was located at Avellino.
Principato Ultra: See Principato Ulteriore.
Prisco I, St.: Bishop of Capua (rAD 42-66).
Prisco II, St.: Bishop of Capua (r440-460).
Probino, St.: Bishop of Capua (r570-572).
Procida (John of Procida), Giovanni di: (b. Salerno. d. 1295.) Nobleman. (full entry)
Procida, Canale di: An arm of the Tyrrhenian Sea connecting it with the Bay of Naples on the latter’s NW point. It runs in an E-W direction for a length of about 7km. At its narrowest point it is about 3.3 km in width.
Protasius: Bishop of Capua (r313 – ?). The first bishop of Capua whose name has survived, he attended the council at Rome called by Pope Melchiades in AD 313.
Protus Vincentius: Bishop of Capua (fl. Mid-4th Century). He attended 1st Council of Nicaea (AD 325), the Council of Sardica (AD 343), and the conciliabulum of Arles (AD 353).
Provvidenti (CB): A commune in the province of Campobasso. Population: 145 (2006e).
Psaumios: an athlete of ancient Kamerina in Sicily. He was victor in the apene (456 BC) and in the Tethrippon (452 BC) at the Olympian Games.
Puglia (Apulia):
Location: A region in southern Italy.
Capital: Bari.
Area: 19,363 km² (mi²) ().
Number of Provinces: 5 (Bari; Brindisi; Foggia; Lecce; Taranto).
Number of Communes (Municipalities): 258.
Population: 4,069,869
Population Density: 210.2/km² (2007).
Historical Population: 1,949,423 (1901); 3,871,617 (1981); 4,031,885 (1991); 4,020,707 (2001); 4,071,518 (2006e).
Puglia: , Communes of : Province of Bari : Acquaviva delle Fonti, Adelfia, Alberobello, Altamura, Andria, Bari, Barletta, Binetto, Bisceglie, Bitetto, Bitonto, Bitritto, Canosa di Puglia, Capurso, Casamassima… (full entry)
Puglianello (BN): A commune in the province of Benevento. Population: 1,402 (2006e).
Punic: an ethnic term derived from the Latin word Poenus for Phoenician; refers to Phoenician or Carthaginian material in the west Mediterranean. When used as a period designation, it normally refers to the years c. 500-146 BC.
Puteolanum: A country villa in Campania that belonged to Cicero. It received its name from the nearby town of Puteoli (mod. Pozzuoli). It was here that Cicero wrote his Questiones Academicae and was the site for Emperor Hadrian’s burial.
Puteolanus sinus: An ancient Roman name for the Bay of Naples along the coast of Campania. It derived its name from the important sea-port of Puteoli.
Puteoli (mod. Pozzuoli): ancient city of Campania, S Italy, 8 mi (13 km) W of Naples. (full entry)
Putignano (BA): A commune in the province of Bari: Population: 27,770 (2006e).
putto (pl. putti): a cherub. Putti are a common feature found in religious paintings and sculpture since the time of the Renaissance. Depictions of these little, winged, boys actually predate Christianity, appeared in Roman sculpted motifs as early as the 2nd Century BC. They are particularly common in the Baroque decorations of churchs in Naples, Palermo, and elsewhere.
Pythagoras: Ruler of Akragas (r?-510 BC).
Pythagoras of Rhegium: (b. Rhegium; fl. 480-430 BC). Sculptor. A contemporary of Myron and Polyclitus, he also specialized in depicting athletic champions. Among his subjects was Euthymus of Locri, whose statue he created after the latter’s third boxing victory at the Olympics in 472 BC.
Pythagoras of Samos: (b. c569 BC-475 BC). Mathematician and mystical philosopher. (full entry)