American Institute of Southern Italian Studies (AISIS)

A

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) (ME): An ancient city located in NE Sicily, close to the source of the river Helion, near Tyndaris, to the SW of Messene. Founded by the Sikels in pre-Hellenic times, it had achieved a high level of prosperity by the 5th century BC. Despite the fact that its culture became largely Hellenized, there is no evidence to show that Abacaenum was ever actually colonized by the Greeks. Thus it can be safely assumed that its population remained dominated by native Sikels throughout its known history. That history, unfortunately, is rather meager. Little is known of Abacaenum’s history outside of its dealings with Syracuse. In 395 BC, its territory was seized by Dionysius I of Syracuse, who transferred it to his newly-founded Tyndaris. As a consequence, Abacaenum entered into an alliance with the Carthaginians. This action, however, proved to be disastrous for the city when, in 394 BC, Dionysius attacked and captured it. In 315 BC, the Sikels of Abacaenum made a new alliance with the Carthaginians. This resulted in another successful capture of the city, this time in 313 BC by Agathocles of Syracuse. After the end of the 1st Punic War, Abacaenum came under the control of the Romans who awarded it the status of a municipium. Abacaenum appears to have gone into a slow decline, owing largely to the proximity of Tyndaris. It was still been in existence when Ptolemy mentioned it in his Geography (2nd Century AD), Abacaenum the disappeared from the historical record.
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: (b. 1759, Caggiano [SA]. d. Aug. 8, 1818). Political leader. A participant in an unsuccessful conspiracy in 1794, he fled from Naples, going first to Oneglia, and then Milan. In 1797, he helped to found the Giornale dei patrioti italiani in Milan. In 1798, he served as Secretary-general for the Cisalpine Republic in northern Italy. The overthrow of the Bourbons in Naples in 1799 allowed him to return south where he became a member of the executive committee for the short-lived Parthenopean Republic. The return of the Bourbons resulted in Abamonti’s arrest for treason. Condemned to death, his sentence was commuted to deportment for life. He was allowed to return to Milan where he resumed his post of Secretary-General. In 1801, the Bourbons were again driven out of Naples and the new government of Joseph Bonaparte overturned Abamonti’s sentence. Returning once more to Naples, he served on the new state council. After the overthrown and death of Murat in 1815, the Bourbons were once more restored to power. This time, however, no action was taken against Abamonti. Not only was he allowed his freedom but he received high office in the Royal government. He was author of two major legal works: Saggio sulle leggi fondamentali I dell Italiano libera and Progetto di costituzione per la Lombardia.
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. 1508 in Venice). Financier and scholar. A member of a prominent Jewish family, he had earned great wealth and a reputation for great intellect and scholarship in his native Portugal. During these years he was honored with several high appointments by King Alfonso. On the accession of John II to the Portuguese throne, Abarbanel found himself out of favor and forced to flee to neighboring Castile. He now devoted much time to the study of the Old Testament, but soon reentered the political arena. It was not long before his gifts brought him the attention and favor of King Ferdinand of Aragon, who now ruled Castile jointly with his wife Isabella. This favor, however, was of no help when, in 1492, Jews were banished from the Spanish kingdom. Not wishing to become a victim of the Inquisition, Abarbanel decided to seek a friendlier and more tolerant home. Accompanied by his three sons, Judah, Joseph, and Samuel, he resettled at Naples, in 1493, and soon earned a place of honor at the court of King Ferdinand I. He was able to use his great talents to rebuild his fortune and to play an important role in the kingdom’s intellectual life. For the next few years, Abarbanel enjoyed the royal favor of Ferdinand and his successor, Alfonso II. He made several close contacts with leading Jewish and Christian scholars throughout Italy. Abarbanel’s misfortunes returned when, in 1495, the French King Charles VIII seized power in Naples. Accompanying Alfonso II into exile at Messina, Sicily, he remained there until the former king’s death. He then relocated for a short time to the Greek island of Corfu. After the French retreated from the Kingdom of Naples, Abarbanel returned (1496) and settled in the port-city of Monopoli in Apulia. He was his intention to devote his time hereafter to scholarly pursuits and avoid politics. His rest from forced travels, however, proved all too short. In 1504, Spain defeated France for control of southern Italy and annexed Naples. The Inquisition which he had fled in Spain was now brought to Italy, forcing Abarbanel to flee once again. At the age of 71, he resettled in Venice, remaining there until his death. Abarbanel had one more, short episode in his political career when he played an instrumental role in effecting a treaty between Venice and his native Portugal. When he finally died in 1508, he was interred in a beautiful tomb at Padua. Abarbanel’s surviving literary works are concerned with Biblical studies and commentaries. Throughout his life, Abarbanel claimed, although without any proof, that he was a direct descendant of King David of Israel.
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 10^th century.

Historical Population Figures:

Abbatelli: A noble family of Sicily. The earliest known member was Dulcio Abbatelli from Lucca in northern Italy who settled at Palermo in 1237 during the reign of Emperor Frederick II (r1198-1250). In 1431, Giovanni Abbatelli (also known as Patella) purchased the county of Cammarata from one Moncada for the price of 40 thousand gold fiorini. He also acquired the fiefs of Pietra and Cefalu, as well as half of the excise tax on fruit from Palermo. He rose to a high social status, marrying into the Chiaromonte family. In 1451, Dulcio’s son Ferderico was officially invested with the title of Count of Cammarata. Through is mother’s line he also became the Count of Modica. A few generations later, in 1535, Cammarata came into the hands of Margherita Abbatelli and her husband, Blasco (Biagio) Branciforte, nephew of the Captain-general Count Federico Branciforte. The principal branch of the family soon became extinct but another line survived at Catania.
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). Norman nobleman. The eldest son and rightful heir of Humphrey, Count of Apulia and Calabria (r1051-1057) and Gaitelgrima of Salerno, he was robbed of his inheritance by his uncle, Robert Guiscard. Taking advantage of Robert’s departure for Sicily, in April 1064, he joined Geoffrey I of Conversano; Joscelin, Lord of Molfetta; and Robert, Count of Montescaglioso, in a revolt. The rebels received financial and military aid from Perenos, the Byzantine duke of Durazzo. The revolt stalemated for a number of years with neither gaining the advantage. Finally, the rebels lost their Byzantine support when, at the beginning of 1068, Romanus Diogenes became emperor. The revolt fell apart and Abelard was exiled. Robert soon asked Abelard to return and assigned him a number of fiefs. Despite Abelard’s defeat, he remained dedicated getting revenge on Robert Guiscard. In December 1071, he rose in a new revolt. This time he had support not only from the Byzantines and other Norman lords (the barons of Giovinazzo and Trani), but also of his brother, Herman, who had received similar treatment in his inheritance at the hands of Robert Guiscard. Richard Drengot, prince of Capua, and Gisulf II, prince of Salerno, both of whom had reason to fear Guiscard’s power and ambition, also threw their support to Abelard. During this time Guiscard was committed to the siege of Palermo and could not return to mainland to deal with the growing revolt. Once Palermo fell, however, in 1072, he prepared to deal with the trouble. Despite their seeming strength, Abelard and his rebels were unable to mount an effective and united defense against Guiscard when he moved against them in 1073. Most of the rebels had been crushed when Guiscard fell seriously ill at Trani and was taken to his capital Bari. Since his fate was uncertain Guiscard’s wife, Sikelgaita, called upon the barons to recognize her son Roger Borsa as Guiscard’s heir. All of the barons, with one exception, agreed. Abelard continued to maintain his own claim to Apulia and Calabria. It was not until 1078 that Abelard was able to initiate his third and final revolt. Joining his cause this time were his old allies Geoffrey I of Conversano and Peter of Trani, as well as Jordan, Prince of Trani, son and heir of Richard Drengot.. This revolt was by far a more dangerous and better-organized one than the previous two. Guiscard chose to deal with it using diplomacy. In 1079 he made a separate peace with Jordan, thus shattering the rebellion. Abelard was exiled in 1080 and, in the company of his brother, Herman, traveled to Constantinople. Emperor Alexius I Comnenus, who viewed Guiscard as a serious threat, gave Abelard a warm welcome. Abelard did not survive long. In cApril 1081, he was apparently assassinated in Illyria. His body was interred in Greece.
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]. The original Abellinum lay near the present city of Avellino in the upper valley of the river Sabatus (mod. Sabbato). Founded by the Hirpini, a Samnite tribe, it lay on the road connecting Beneventum and Salernum. Abellinum appears in history only in the Roman era. By then it had become a prosperous town and had probably achieved the status of a colonia under the Second Triumvirate (mid- 1st century BC).The city survived the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, finally succumbing in the early Middle Ages during the wars between the Byzantines and Lombards. The survivors abandoned the original site and refounded their city on the present site of Avellino. The site of ancient Abellinum includes the remains of the city walls and the ruins of an amphitheatre. A great number of inscriptions, bas-reliefs, statuary, etc have been unearthed.
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].
Abenavolo, Ludovico: (b. 1470, Capua or Teano. d. c1535). Man-at-arms. Son of Troilo Abanavolo, lord of Teano, he was one of the 13 Italian knights who defeated an equal number of French knights in the famous Disfida di Barletta (Feb 13, 1503). He is mentioned as being one of the three sindici of the University of Teano in 1518. In 1528, he had apparently changed loyalties and supported the French against the Spanish during their war over southern Italy. After 1532 he disappears from the historical record.
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).
Abravanel: See Abarbanel.
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): A commune (area: 96.47 km²; alt. 957 m) of Basilicata, in the province of Potenza. Located 20 km S of Potenza, it is situated on the S slope of Monte Forte (1,444 m), overlooking the confluence of the torrent Marsicano and the river Anzi. Pop. 1,691 (2007e); 1,760 (2003). The majority of the commune is covered by pastures and woodlands. Part of the Comunità Montana Camastra Alto Sauro.

Frazioni & Localities: Arioso, Il Palazzo, Tintiera.

Name of Inhabitants: Abriolani.
Patron Saint(s): S. Valentino.   (Feast Day:). Feb. 14
Economy: Agriculture, livestock.

Coordinates: Lat. 40°30'32"N │ Long. 15°48'51"E.
CAP: 85010
Tel. Prefix: 0971
History: Founded sometime during the 6th or 5th centuries BC by the ancient Samnites, Abriola’s name is believed to derive either from the Latin words aper (=wild boar) or brolium (=reservoir, hunting park). During Roman times, it was a station along the Via Heraclea, the highway running from the city of Grumentum. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Abriola came under the control of Ostrogoths, Byzantines and, for a time, the Saracens. In 907, the Saracen leader Bomar surrendered his stronghold at Abriola to the Lombards in exchange for territory on the river Basento. Abriola was held as a fief by a number of noble families. In the 12th century it came under the control of one Gairmaro of Capaccio. In the following century, Frederick II awarded it to Amerigo of Avezzano. Under the Angevins, it came into the possession of the Filangieri family. In 1799, in response to the establishment of the Parthenopean Republic, Abiola threw off its feudal restraints and established itself as a liberal municipality. This period of independence was crushed when, in 1809, a brigand band loyal to the Bourbon king, Ferdinand I attacked the town. The town’s most prominent citizens and leaders were brutally murdered and many civic and religious leaders were burned. After the Risorgimento, the area around Abriola remained in a state of unrest for many years due to brigandage. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries much of the population emigrated.
                Abriola suffered severe earthquakes in 1694, 1857, and 1980.

Historical Population Figures:

Points of Interest:

The most significant secular monument is a medieval Saracen fortress whose remains include a square tower and a gateway.
Abriola’s religious monuments include the 15th /16th century parish church of Santa Maria Maggiore which houses several treasures, most notably a painting (1620) depicting the donation of the stole to S. Idelfonso, as well as a 15th century wooden sculpture of the Madonna delle Grazie. There is a painting by Pietrafesa representing the Madonna and Child (Madonma col Bambino). There is also a 15th century silver processional Cross.
                Also of note is the 16th century church of S. Gerardo. It contains a 15th century statue of S. Gerardo. The interior walls are decorated with fresco paintings from the second half of the 16th century.
                The medieval church of SS. Annunziata is decorated with 17th century fresco works. There are also traces of wall paintings of earlier date.
                Other religious monuments include the Sanctuary of the Madonna dei Saraceni and the Sanctuary of Monteforte. The latter was reconstructed in the 16th century, incorporating portions of an earlier structure. These include frescoes dating the 11th, 13th and 16th centuries.
Culture:
Festivals/Feasts/Events:
Festival of S. Valentino: Feb. 14.
Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of Monteforte: June 1.
Commemoration of the 1809 attack on the town: July 23.
Feast of Madonna Assunta (or dell’Assunzione): Aug. 14 (features the return of the image of the Madonna to the Sanctuary of Montforte).
Fair: Sept. 22.
Feast of S. Rocco: Sept. 24.
Famous Natives & Residents: Giovanni Todisco: 16^th Century landscape artist; Girolamo Todisco: 16^th Century landscape artist.
 
Abruzzi/Abruzzo:
Location: A region of Italy situated in the east-central portion of the Italian peninsula. It is bounded on the north by the Marche and a part of Lazio; on the east by the Adriatic Sea; on the south by Molise; and on the west by Lazio.
Name: The older, plural form Abruzzi is generally used when referring to the former combined region of Abruzzi-Molise. The exact origin of the place name is uncertain but appears to be related to either of two Latin terms: aper or apri = “boar” (referring to the animal still to be found in the region), or abruptus = “steep” (a reference to the abrupt, vertical slopes of the mountain which dominate the terrain).
Another theory suggests that the name derives from that of the Praetutii, an ancient people who once inhabited the area near the Adriatic coast.
The earliest known Italian reference to the area referred to it as Bruzio.
Capital: L’Aquila.
Area: 10,794 km² (4,168 mi²) (slightly smaller than the island of Jamaica or the state of Connecticut. slightly larger than the country of Lebanon).
Number of Provinces: 4 (Chieti, L’Aquila, Pescara, Teramo).
Number of Communes (Municipalities): 305.
Population: 1,309,797 (2007).
Population Density: 121.3/km² (2007).

History: Modern Abruzzo encompasses most of the territory of ancient Samnium. After coming under the control of the kingdom of Naples, the region was divided into two parts: Further Abruzzo (Abruzzo Ulteriore or Ultra) and Nearer Abruzzo (Abruzzo Citeriore or Citra), so named from their geographical relation to the capital city of Naples. For a time, Abruzzo Ulteriore was further divided into Abruzzo Ultra 1 (corresponding to the modern provinces of Pescara and Teramo) and Abruzzo Ultra 2 (the modern-day L’Aquila). Abruzzo Citeriore corresponds to the modern province of Chieti.  In 1860, after the unification of Italy, the regions of Molise and Abruzzo were combined to form Abruzzi e Molise. In 1963, Abruzzo and Molise were again separated into individual regions.
Historical Population: 1,217,791 (1981); 1,249,054 (1991); 1,262,392 (2001); 1,273,284 (2003e); 1,305,307 (2006e).
Landscape: Abruzzo’s terrain is predominantly mountainous and hilly. The eastern coastal area includes some fertile lowlands. Much of the Apennine mountain terrain is barren of vegetation except for some isolated meadows and sparse woods. In the lower hilly districts, the ground is far most fertile and includes many green meadowlands, watered by rivers and streams.
Although the region has a coastline of about 80 miles in length along the Adriatic Sea, it lacks any natural harbors capable of holding anything but small vessels. Because of this, fishing and sea commerce have never played any significant role in the history or economy of the region.
Terrain: Abruzzo’s topography can be broken down as follows: Mountains: 65.1%; Hills: 34.9%; Plains/Lowlands: less than 1%. Its highest elevation is the summit of Corno Grande (2,912 m (9,554 ft); and it has an average elevation of 824 meters (2,703 feet).
Economy:
                Employment: In 1951, 60% of the employed were in agriculture, 22% in industry and 17% in services. In 2001, those figures had dramatically changed to 61% of the employed in services, 33% in industry and 6% in agriculture. The unemployment rate for Abruzzo in 2001 was 5.7%, compared to 9.5% for the entire nation.

Agriculture: Abruzzo’s climate and rugged terrain prevent most of the land from being cultivated. In spite of this, however, agriculture remains important to the region’s economy. Among the most important products are figs, carrots and grapes. In the flatlands that exist, crops like wheat, potatoes, beets and tobacco are cultivated. Fruit orchards, vegetable gardens and olive groves are also important. Around the town of Atri liquorice is an important product, while in and around L’Aquila saffron is heavily produced.
Livestock: Livestock breeding has historically been centered on sheep-herding. While still predominant, sheep are slowly giving way to cattle.
Fishing: Owing to a lack of good harbors, fishing is not an important economic factor.
Industry: Abruzzo remains industrially under-developed but is growing at an increasing rate. Still, much of the industry that does exist tends to be local in nature, based on the production of foodstuffs, textiles, and furniture. Larger industries, based primarily on metallurgy and mechanics are centered around Chieti and Pescara. The basins of Campotosto and Barrea provide electric power for much of the region. The areas around Alanno and Vasto have become very important for the chemical industry. Bauxite and aluminum are mined in the area around Bussi.
An increasing number of large firms have established their presence in Abruzzo. These include SIV (glass), Magneti Marelli (car batteries and starter motors), Honda (motorcycles), Sevel (vans), Montefluos (chlorine), Italcementi (cement), Fater (Pharmaceuticals), Pirelli (transmission belts), Italtel (telephones), Selenia (electronics and aerospace), Texas Instruments (digital circuits) and Fiat (car components).
Traditional handicrafts are still produced throughout Abruzzo. Among these, the most important include ceramics, carpets, laces, woodworking, metalworking (copper and iron) and knife-boxes.
Tourism: Tourism has become an increasingly important a considerable factor for Abruzzo. The Apennines are the home of a number of popular resorts for winter sports, while areas along the Adriatic coast have become popular summer getaways. While tourism has importance, Abruzzo has tried to limit, or at least partially control, its growth in order to protect many of its natural treasures. These restrictions, however, have been only moderately successful and Abruzzo’s delicate ecology has become increasingly threatened as the level of tourist development grows.
Climate: The proximity of the Adriatic gives Abruzzo a generally mild Mediterranean climate especially in the eastern coastal areas. Further inland where the land is predominately by mountains, the climate is more continental in nature, with cold winters and hot summers. Most of Abruzzo’s precipitation occurs during the winter months. Summers tend to be mostly hot and dry.
Famous Natives and Residents:
Acerbo, Giacomo: Baron of Aterno (b. July 25, 1888, Loreto Aprutino, Province of Pescara; d. January 9, 1969, Rome). Economist and Fascist politician.
Bafile, Cardinal Corrado: (b. July 4, 1903, archdiocese of L’Aquila; d. February 3, 2005). Ecclesiastic; the oldest cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church in modern times.
Bevilacqua, Maurizio: (b. June 1, 1960, Sulmona). Canadian-Italian politician.
Boniface IV: (b. ca. 550 in Valeria; May 25, 615). Pope (608-615).
Croce, Benedetto: (b. February 25, 1866, Pescasseroli, L’Aquila Province; d. November 20, 1952). Critic, idealist philosopher, and political figure.
Del Turco, Ottaviano: (b. November 7, 1944 in Collelongo, province of L'Aquila). Politician.
Delfico, Melchiorre: (b. August 1, 1744, Teramo; d. June 21, 1835). Economist.
Di Luca, Danilo: (born January 2, 1976, Spoltore, province of Pescara). Professional cyclist.
Innocent VII: (b. c1336 in Sulmona; d. November 6, 1406). Pope (1404-1406).
Mazarin, Jules (born Giulio Raimondo Mazzarino): (b. July 14, 1602, Pescina; d. March 9, 1661). Politician who served as the chief minister of France from 1642 until his death.
Ovid (Publius Ovidius Naso): (b. March 20, 43 BC, Sulmona; d. AD 17). Roman Poet.
Silone, Ignazio (born Secondo Tranquilli): (b. May 1, 1900, Pescina; d. August 22, 1978). Author.
Tommaso da Celano (Thomas of Celano): (b. c1200, Celano; d.c1270). Franciscan monk and hymnodist. Reputed author of the Dies Irae.
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, Castel Frentano, Castelguidone, Castiglione Messer Marino, Celenza sul Trigno, Chieti, Civitaluparella, Civitella Messer Raimondo, Colledimacine, Colledimezzo, Crecchio, Cupello, Dogliola, Fallo, Fara Filiorum Petri, Fara San Martino, Filetto, Fossacesia, Fraine, Francavilla al Mare, Fresagrandinaria, Frisa, Furci, Gamberale, Gessopalena, Gissi, Giuliano Teatino, Guardiagrele, Guilmi, Lama dei Peligni, Lanciano, Lentella, Lettopalena, Liscia, Miglianico, Montazzoli, Montebello sul Sangro, Monteferrante, Montelapiano, Montenerodomo, Monteodorisio, Mozzagrogna, Orsogna, Ortona, Paglieta, Palena, Palmoli, Palombaro, Pennadomo, Pennapiedimonte, Perano, Pietraferrazzana, Pizzoferrato, Poggiofiorito, Pollutri, Pretoro, Quadri, Rapino, Ripa Teatina, Rocca San Giovanni, Roccamontepiano, Roccascalegna, Roccaspinalveti, Roio del Sangro, Rosello, San Buono, San Giovanni Lipioni, San Giovanni Teatino, San Martino sulla Marrucina, San Salvo, San Vito Chietino, Santa Maria Imbaro, Sant`Eusanio del Sangro, Scerni, Schiavi di Abruzzo, Taranta Peligna, Tollo, Torino di Sangro, Tornareccio, Torrebruna, Torrevecchia Teatina, Torricella Peligna, Treglio, Tufillo, Vacri, Vasto, Villa Santa Maria, Villalfonsina, Villamagna.
Province of L’Aquila
Acciano, Aielli, Alfedena, Anversa degli Abruzzi, Ateleta, Avezzano, Balsorano, Barete, Barisciano, Barrea, Bisegna, Bugnara, Cagnano Amiterno, Calascio, Campo di Giove, Campotosto, Canistro, Cansano, Capestrano, Capistrello, Capitignano, Caporciano, Cappadocia, Carapelle Calvisio, Carsoli, Castel del Monte, Castel di Ieri, Castel di Sangro, Castellafiume, Castelvecchio Calvisio, Castelvecchio Subequo, Celano, Cerchio, Civita d`Antino, Civitella Alfedena, Civitella Roveto, Cocullo, Collarmele, Collelongo, Collepietro, Corfinio, Fagnano Alto, Fontecchio, Fossa, Gagliano Aterno, Gioia dei Marsi, Goriano Sicoli, Introdacqua, Lecce nei Marsi, Luco dei Marsi, Lucoli, L`Aquila, Magliano de` Marsi, Massa d`Albe, Molina Aterno, Montereale, Morino, Navelli, Ocre, Ofena, Opi, Oricola, Ortona dei Marsi, Ortucchio, Ovindoli, Pacentro, Pereto, Pescasseroli, Pescina, Pescocostanzo, Pettorano sul Gizio, Pizzoli, Poggio Picenze, Prata d`Ansidonia, Pratola Peligna, Prezza, Raiano, Rivisondoli, Rocca di Botte, Rocca di Cambio, Rocca di Mezzo, Rocca Pia, Roccacasale, Roccaraso, San Benedetto dei Marsi, San Benedetto in Perillis, San Demetrio ne` Vestini, San Pio delle Camere, San Vincenzo Valle Roveto, Sante Marie, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Sant`Eusanio Forconese, Scanno, Scontrone, Scoppito, Scurcola Marsicana, Secinaro, Sulmona, Tagliacozzo, Tione degli Abruzzi, Tornimparte, Trasacco, Villa Santa Lucia degli Abruzzi, Villa Sant`Angelo, Villalago, Villavallelonga, Villetta Barrea, Vittorito.
Province of Pescara
Abbateggio, Alanno, Bolognano, Brittoli, Bussi sul Tirino, Cappelle sul Tavo, Caramanico Terme, Carpineto della Nora, Castiglione a Casauria, Catignano, Cepagatti, Citta` Sant`Angelo, Civitaquana, Civitella Casanova, Collecorvino, Corvara, Cugnoli, Elice, Farindola, Lettomanoppello, Loreto Aprutino, Manoppello, Montebello di Bertona, Montesilvano, Moscufo, Nocciano, Penne, Pescara, Pescosansonesco, Pianella, Picciano, Pietranico, Popoli, Roccamorice, Rosciano, Salle, San Valentino in Abruzzo Citeriore, Sant`Eufemia a Maiella, Scafa, Serramonacesca, Spoltore, Tocco da Casauria, Torre De` Passeri, Turrivalignani, Vicoli, Villa Celiera.
Province of Teramo
Alba Adriatica, Ancarano, Arsita, Atri, Basciano, Bellante, Bisenti, Campli, Canzano, Castel Castagna, Castellalto, Castelli, Castiglione Messer Raimondo, Castilenti, Cellino Attanasio, Cermignano, Civitella del Tronto, Colledara, Colonnella, Controguerra, Corropoli, Cortino, Crognaleto, Fano Adriano, Giulianova, Isola del Gran Sasso d`Italia, Martinsicuro, Montefino, Montorio al Vomano, Morro d`Oro, Mosciano Sant`Angelo, Nereto, Notaresco, Penna Sant`Andrea, Pietracamela, Pineto, Rocca Santa Maria, Roseto degli Abruzzi, Sant`Egidio alla Vibrata, Sant`Omero, Silvi, Teramo, Torano Nuovo, Torricella Sicura, Tortoreto, Tossicia, Valle Castellana.
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. Privately founded in 1921, it came under national control in 1923. It covers 408 km² in area with an additional protected region of 200 km². The greater part of the park lies within the province of L’Aquila, with a smaller part in the province of Frosinone (Lazio). It is dominated by the Montagna Grande, which marks its northern boundary. The high meadows of the park consist of forests of pine, chestnut, beech, and maple trees. There is also a rare species of birch tree which have been native to the area since the last Ice Age.
                The park’s fauna is very diverse. It is home to about 300 different species of birds (including goshawks, sea crows, royal eagles, and song birds), 40 species of mammals (including the Abruzzian brown bear [Ursus arctos marsicanus]), Apennine wolf, roe deer, red deer, wildcats [e.g. Apennine lynx], otters, foxes, and squirrels), and 30 species of retiles and amphibians (including Orsini snakes and yellow salamanders). The park is famous as the home of the Abruzzo Chamois (Rupicapra ornata), found primarily in the high meadowlands.
                The park includes a natural history museum, a zoo, and a botanical garden. The park headquarters is located at Pescasseroli.
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-Molise, Ecclesiastical Region of:

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 1^st 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). Its name, which derives from Achaia, a region of Greece, reveals its Byzantine origins. The existing center, however, is somewhat more recent, Aragonese foundation. A castle was begun here in 1506 by the Baron Alfonso dell Acaja, and completed by his son Gian Giacomo dell Acaja in 1535. The latter was also the architect for the castle at Lecce, the town walls at Crotone, and the Castel Sant’Elmo in Naples. The Acaia castle is considered a model of Aragonese military architecture, with an imposing enciente and large bastions with steep scarps and partially revealed, projecting battlements. Of particular interest is an underground passage which runs from this castle to the Castle of Charles V in Lecce, a distance of some 10 km.
                Outside the town walls is a marsh protected by the World Wildlife Fund.
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. It is believed to be one of the streams flowing into the Gulf of Taranto about 16 km S of the river Sinni. Its exact identification with any modern river remains uncertain since there is a discrepancy among the ancient sources as to its location. Some modern sources identify it with the Cavone, while others believe it to be the Salandrella. The Acalandrus is thought to have been a natural boundary between the ancient Greek cities of Heraclea and Thurii. This gave it such political significance that it was chosen by Alexander of Epirus as his choice for the site of the general assembly of Italiote Greeks. According to Pliny the Elder, in Roman times the river was called the Talandrus. The Greek name Akalandros derives from the Indo-European *ekwel-, an extension of the root *akwa- (=water, river). The river Acalandrus lends its name to a canal on the planet Mars.
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) (RG): A commune (area: 101.42 km². alt: 199 m) of Sicily, in the province of Ragusa. Population: 8,328 (2004). The commune is devoted largely to wine-growing. Other agricultural products include citrus fruits, grapes, olives, fruit, cereals, and vegetables. Sheep breeding also plays an important economic role.
Frazioni & Localities: Macconi, Marina di Acate.
CAP: 97011
Tel. Prefix: 0932
Name of Inhabitants: Acatesi
Patron Saint(s): San Biagio (Feast Day: 2nd Sunday of October); S. Vincenzo.
History: Archaeology has revealed that the area around Acate has been inhabited by the prehistoric Sikels. During historical times the Romans and Byzantine also settled in the region. In medieval times, the Saracens settled in a hamlet known as Odogrillo (from the Arabic Wayd-Ikrilu = “the river of Acrilla” + Dirillo), which survived well into Angevin times. During the 13th century Odogrillo was finally abandoned due to the deteriorating environment.
                It is uncertain whether the nearby village of Biscari was contemporary with Odogrillo, or whether it was founded as its replacement. Its first historical mention occurs in a document from 1299, granting it as fief by Charles II of Anjou to Gualtiero Pantaleone), corresponding to the same generally to the time when Odogrillo was abandoned. Biscari’s name appears to be of Greek origin, suggesting it was of Byzantine foundation.
                After the Aragonese conquest of Sicily, Biscari became a fief of Antonio Beneventano. Soon afterwards it came into the possession of the Lamia family who retained it until 1392 when Roger Lamia revolted against King Martin II. After this it was given to Giacomo Serra of Siracusa. When he died childless in 1396 Biscari was assigned to Nicolo Castagna. After passing through several other hands, the town eventually returned to the control of the Lamia family when Antonio De Castellis, a Lamia relation, was awarded the title of Biscari (Apr. 13, 1416). In 1580, the center became a principality of the Paternò family of Catania. Agostino Paternò Castello, the first Prince of Biscari, had the entire settlement moved to its present site. In 1693, the center was devastated by the great earthquake which struck NE Sicily. In the aftermath, the town was almost completely rebuilt.
                In 1938, the name of the town was changed from Biscari to Acate, a name derived from Acate, the ancient name for the nearby river Dirillo. According to tradition this ancient name was in someway connected with that of Achates, the heroic and loyal friend of Aeneas. More likely, however, it was inspired by the many semiprecious agate stones that are to be found the riverbed.
                In modern times, the commune is best-known for a pair of tragic incidents from World War II. In the summer of 1943, during the Allied invasion of Sicily, fighting around Acate was intense. On July 14, 1943, US Army units captured the local airfield, taking several German and Italian prisoners. A few days after this, Americans of the 45th Division’s 180th Regiment turned on these prisoners, shooting down 34 Italian and 2 German prisoners. In August, another 40 Italian POWs were killed. These incidents have come to be known collectively as the “Biscari Massacres”.
                The town has experienced a number of damaging earthquakes, the most damaging occurring in 1693, 1908, and 1990.

Historical Population Figures:

Points of Interest:The communal territory contains several archaeological sites of Sikel, Roman, Byzantine, and Saracen origins. Bronze Age sites have been discovered in the Poggio-Bidine district. Of medieval Odogrillo, only parts of the fortification survive.

The Castello dei Principi di Biscari was founded in 1493/4 by Baron Guglielmo Raimondo. Significant modifications were made during the 18th century. Today, the portal at the castle’s entrance is the only part of the original building to still exist.

The Mother Church of S. Nicolo dates from 1660. Extensive restorations were carried out following earthquakes in 1693 and 1846. In 1859, the building was almost completely reconstructed. Of the original building only the vault of the choir, a portion of the apse, and the transept survive.
                The 3-aisled church of S. Vincenzo dates to 1643. The structure was originally dedicated to S. Giuseppe but was changed when S. Vincenzo was buried there. Its greatest treasure is an 18th century crystal reliquary containing the relics of that church’s patron saint. The church interior is decorated with some fine stuccowork.
Culture:
Festivals/Feasts/Events:
An annual feast and Palio (horserace) di San Vincenzo Martire, held on the 3rd Sunday after Easter, have been celebrated since 1722.
Economy:
Acate (anc. Dirillo, Achates), River: A river in SE Sicily, rising at an elevation of c600 m. on M. Lauro at the N end of the Monti Iblei in Catania province. Flowing in a SW direction for 51.5 km, it passes through the province of Ragusa before emptying into the Mediterranean on the S coast of Sicily. Its mouth is located about 11 km SE of Gela.

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. Located 51 km SW of Foggia, it is situated on a hill at the extreme end of the Subappennino Mountains, to the left of the torrent Frugna, near the border with Campania (province of Avellino). Population: 2,605 (2006e). Much of the communal territory is given over to fertile pastures. The economy of the commune is principally agricultural and pastoral.Part of the Comunità Montana Monti Dauni Meridionali.
Frazioni & Localities: Agata delle Noci.
CAP: 71021
Tel. Prefix: 0881
Name of Inhabitants: Accadiesi.
Patron Saint(s):  San Sebastiano (Feast Day: Jan. 20).
History: The earliest roots of the center date back around the year AD 1000. By 1124, the center (then known as Eca) was a typical medieval settlement. It was virtually destroyed by an earthquake in 1456 and almost completely rebuilt. In 1640, the town became a fief of the powerful Caracciolo family of Balzo. Later in its history it passed to the Recco and Dentice families. In 1930, following another earthquake, the town was so damaged that most of the population chose to immigrate to new homes.
                Major earthquakes occurred in 1456, 1459, 1694, 1732, 1851, 1893, 1910, 1930, 1948, 1962, 1980, and 1984.

Historical Population Figures:

Points of Interest: The forest of Difisa, located between Accadia and Delicato, contains many ancient oak trees and fresh water sources.

The neoclassical Monumental Fountain was completed during the reign of King Ferdinand II in 1836. Built from local stone, its most prominent feature is a set of four columns (each with a diameter of 50 cm) which support the fountain’s pediment.
                The Torre Civica, built in 1883, rises to a height of 30 meters. Crowned with a statue of the Vergine dell’Immacolata, it houses a clock and a pair of bronze bells. The tower is also decorated by the town’s civic arms.
                The old medieval section of the town, the Borge medievale, is entered through any of three archways, the most significant being the Arco Porta di Capo.
                In the Piazza G. Matteotti is a monument dedicated to the citizens of the commune who died in past wars. Not far away is the Circolo Unione (formerly Circolo Vittorino Emanuel II) dedicated in 1878.
There still exist ruins of a medieval castle destroyed by the earthquake of 1456.
                There are remains of the ancient Roman Via Appia within the center itself, while in the communal territory are some now-abandoned cave-dwellings similar to the famous Sassi of Matera.

The commune has a small communal museum.

The Sanctuary of Maria SS. del Carmine is situated on nearby M. Crispignano, at an elevation of 1,050 m. According to local tradition, the sanctuary is built on the site where the Virgin once appeared to a shepherd. Founded in the 13th century or 14th century, during the reign of either Charles I of Anjou or Robert the Wise. It replaced an earlier chapel dedicated to the Madonna di Crespo Piano that once stood on the site. Damaged by exposure to the elements and by earthquakes, the building has undergone several reconstructions and restorations, including major work done in 1964. The sanctuary has an interesting façade pierced by three doors. The altar is adorned with Gothic decoration.
Culture:
Festivals/Feasts/Events:
Feast of S. Sebastiano: Jan. 20.
Easter Celebrations: Spring.
Pilgrimage to the Sanctuary of the Madonna del Carmine: 1st Sunday in May.
Procession honoring S. Antonio: June 13.
Procession honoring S. Vito: June 15.
Feast of Maria SS. del Carmine: July 16
Anniversario Incoronazione Maria SS. del Carmine: Aug 20-22.
Fair and Festival honoring SS. Vito e Antonio: 4th Sunday in Sept.
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. Located 84 km SW of Matera, it is situated in the Lucanian Apennines, on a pair of hills to the N of M. Piano, to the right of the torrent Salandrella.  Population: 2,168 (2006e). Blessed with fertile soil, the commune’s economy is devoted to agriculture (wine, olive oil) and sheepherding. It produces a fine sheep-milk cheese. Other products include grains, wine-grapes, and olives. Much of the territory is still covered with forests, providing a basis for industries of lumber and carbon. Sheepherding is also important. Tourism is also being developed.Part of the Comunità Montana Collina Materana. It is within the confines of the Parco Gallipoli-Cognato.
Frazioni & Localities: Valmiletta, Tempa Cortaglia.
CAP: 75011.
Tel. Prefix: 0835.
Name of Inhabitants: Accetturesi
Patron Saint(s):  S. Giuliano.(Feast Day:).
History: A settlement has existed here since the time of the ancient Greek colonization. According to some sources the existing center was founded by the Lombards sometime between the 6th and 10th centuries. Others state that Accettura was founded in the 10th century by settlers coming from three now-abandoned nearby villages. In 1060, it was given by Count Roberto of Montescaglioso to the Bishop of Tricarico. It continued to grow into a flourishing center until, in 1272, it was destroyed by a devastating fire. After being rebuilt, Accettura was given by King Charles I as a fief to the Bazzano family. It later passed to other noble families including the Della Marra (1380), Ponsiaco (1390), Carafa (1517), Colonna (1639), and Spinelli (19th century). In 1648, the population numbered about 2,000.

Historical Population Figures:

Points of Interest:

In the locality of Tempa Cortaglia are the remains of Lucanian fortifications dating to the 6th century BC.
Medieval fortifications (castle and other buildings) are located near M. Rosa.
At the foot of M. Crocchia (1,125 m) is the site of an ancient, prehellenic city.

The Mother Church of S. Nicola contains an interesting engraved 17th century bell. The façade is relatively simple, the lower portion being somewhat more decorative than the upper part. It has a fine 19th century portal. The front of the church is approached by double stairways. Among its treasures is a 17th / 18th century painted tele depicting the “Maddalena”. Some interesting 13th century terracotta statues are preserved here.
                The existing Baroque church of the Annunciata was built on the site of an earlier church. It has an excellent 14th century bifora window. The façade includes a representation of the Annunciation. Decoration includes some fine 19th century maiolica tile work. The campanile has an interesting hexagonal upper portion.
                The church of S. Antonio has a number of artistic treasures.
                The ex-Convent of S. Francesco di Assisi was founded in c1585. Its church houses an altarpiece depicting the “Madonna with child among the Saints Francis from Paola and Anthony”, as well as a painted tele depicting the Annunciation, attributed to Attilio De Laurentis from Montemurro. In the canonical house is a gilded 17th / 18th century polychrome wooden reliquary containing the relics of S. Giuliano.
                In the chapel of S. Rocco is an interesting Crucifix and a 19th century organ.
Culture:
Festivals/Feasts/Events:
Spring Festival- week preceding Ascension Sunday.
Feast of the Maggio- Also known as the Matrimonio di alberi (Marriage of the Trees), this unique 3-day event culminates on Pentecost Sunday. A survival of early pre-Christian Lucanian nature rites, two trees (labeled the maggio [=groom] and the cima [=bride]) are cut down from the nearby Montepiano forest and carried into the town. The transporters of the trees walk at a leisurely pace, often stopping to enjoy a variety of food and drink. The festival culminates on Sunday when both trees are grafted together in a symbolic “marriage.” The celebrations include a procession led by the statue of S. Giuliano and a contest to climb to the top of one on the tops.
Acciaioli: See Acciaiuoli.
Acciaiuoli (or Acciajuoli, Acciaioli): A notable family of Florentine origins. Their name, deriving from acciao (=steel), reflects their roots as 12th century steel processors. As such, and later as bankers, they became exceptionally wealthy. During the 14th and 15th centuries, one branch of the family became deeply involved in the political affairs of central Greece, becoming virtual rulers of Elis, Messenia, and Cephalonia. Another branch of the family became important financial backers to the Angevin rulers of Naples. Among the family’s most notable members was Niccolo Acciaiuoli who, in 1358, was granted control of Corinth by King Robert the Wise of Naples. Among his endeavors was the refortification of the Isthmus of Corinth. Later members of the family went on to gain control over Athens and Thebes, maintaining themselves there until the Turkish invasion in the 15th century. This “Greek” branch intermarried with such families as the Palaiologi and the Tocco.
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: (b. Sept. 12, 1310, Montegufoni, Val di Pesa [near Florence]. d. Nov. 8, 1365, Naples or Florence). Statesman, soldier, and grand seneschal of Naples. Born into a prominent Florentine family, he moved to Naples in 1331 to oversee a branch of the family’s banking empire. It was there that he became close friends with King Robert the Wise and earned the title of cavaliere (knight). Becoming an advisor to Robert’s nephew, Philip of Taranto. In reward for his financial help in the reconquest of the principality of Achaia by Philip’s son, Robert, Niccolo was granted benefices and fiefs. In 1347, Acciaiuoli played a pivotal role in arranging the marriage of Queen Joanna I to Louis of Taranto. This placed him in a position of considerable influence over Joanna who soon appointed him (1348) Grand Seneschal of the Kingdom of Naples. Having now become the most powerful man, he defended Joanna and Louis when they were attacked by Louis I of Hungary. In 1356, Niccolo captured Messina, beginning an attempt to regain Sicily for the Angevins. For his efforts he was awarded with the title of Count of Malta and Gozo. In 1358, he was appointed Baron and governor of Corinth to defend Angevin control of Achaia against the Turks and the Catalans. During this time he refortified the Isthmus of Corinth. Returning to Italy he spent some time consolidating his power in Messina before traveling north to meet with Pope Innocent VI at Avignon (1360). He remained in northern Italy for some time, serving as the Pope’s governor of Bologna and the Romagna. In 1364 he returned to Naples to help Joanna restore order after a revolt of several barons. Despite the immense wealth and power Acciaiuoli held, he remained a man of honesty and integrity. Both Petrarch and Boccaccio speak highly of him in their writings. For the great benefit of both Naples and Florence, he created strong commercial ties between the two states. Acciaiuoli spent his final years in retirement in the Certosa del Galluzzo, a Carthusian monastery he founded near his native Florence.
Acciano (AQ): A commune of Abruzzo, in the province of L’Aquila.
Former Names (if any):
Region: Abruzzo│ Province: L’Aquila.
Coordinates: Lat: N│ Long: E.
Location/Setting: Located 39 km SE of L’Aquila, it is situated on a high mountain spur, to the left of the river Ateno. Much of the commune is covered by oak forests. Part of the Comunità Montana Sirentina.
Alt.: 600 m.
Area: 32.36 km².
Population: 396 (2006e); 396 (2005).
Pop. Density: /km².
Frazioni & Localities: Beffi, Succiano, San Lorenzo and Roccapreturo.
CAP: 67020.
Tel. Prefix: 0864.
ISTAT:
Name of Inhabitants: Accianesi.
Patron Saint(s):  S. Petronilla  (Feast Day: May 31).
Economy: Primarily agricultural.
History: The place name is thought to derive from the Roman name Accius, suggesting that site once formed part of an ancient estate. The center was founded as a fortified stronghold by the Lombards during the 7th century AD. The original settlers were drawn from the centers of Campo Valentino (in the territory of Molina Aterno), S. Lorenzo, and Fontecupa. During the 14th century, it was given as a fief by Charles III of Durazzo to Matteo Gentile, brother of the bishop of L’Aquila. It later passed into the possession of the Piccolomini who continued to hold it until the late 18th century.

Historical Population Figures

Points of Interest:

The center retains its original plan with its three medieval town gates.
There are a number of private houses in the town containing architectural elements from the 15th to 18th centuries.
Medieval fortifications in the frazione of Roccapreturo include a ruined tower.
Watch towers and medieval remains in the frazione of Beffi were originally part of the defense network for the city of L’Aquila.
In the frazione of San Lorenzo is a ruined castle.

The 3-aisled parish church of SS. Pietro e Lorenzo (1534) 16th century wooden statues and a 17th century silver processional cross created by the Sulmonese School. There is an interesting Renaissance baptistery.
The Romanesque-Baroque church of S. Pietro contains a fine Renaissance terracotta statue of the patron saint.
The church of Congregazione del'Addolorata was founded in 1786.
The church of the Madonna delle Grazie dates from the 10th to 15th centuries.
The principal religious monument in the frazione of Beffi is the church of the Madonna del Rifugio.
The principal religious monuments in the frazione of Roccapreturo are the churches of S. Sebastiano, S. Maria Lauretana, and the Madonna di Loreto.
In the frazione of San Lorenzo are the churches of SS Trinità and San Lorenzo (14th century).
In the communal territory are a number of churches: Madonna di Petronilla (12th century), S.Antonio (ruined), S.Maria del Campo (ruined), S. Erasmo, Madonna della Valle, S. Giovanni, S. Michele, Madonna della Sanità, Madonna degli Angeli, S. Lucia, Madonna di Santa Petronilla.
Culture:
Festivals/Feasts/Events:
Festival of the Madonna della Valle: Holy Week (Monday & Tuesday).
Feast of S. Petronilla: May 30-31.
Festival of S. Erasmo: 1^st Sunday of June, includes a procession to Monte Offermo.
Feast of arrosticini (roasting), truffles and wine: July 29 to 31.
Fair: 1^st Sunday in November, in the frazione of Beffi.
Economy:
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 20^th 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. 1^st half of the 16^th 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. d. 1969, Rome). Soldier, economist, and statesman. During a distinguished military career, he was awarded several medals for valor. Entering the political world, he joined the Fascist party and was elected (1921) as a deputy. He became under-secretary to the president of the Consiglio, serving in that post until 1924. In 1924, he became baron of Aterno. Acerbo served as professor of economics and political agriculture at Rome and, in 1926, became vice-president of the Camera. From 1929 to 1935, he served as Minister for Agriculture and the Forests and, for a short time in 1943 (Feb. 5-July 25), was minister of Finance. On July 25, 1943, he was a member of the Grand Council of Fascists that voted against Mussolini. For this action he was condemned to death (in default) by the Fascist tribunal of Verona (Jan.1944). He was later arrested by the Bonami government and sentenced to 30 years for “Great Acts”, but was later amnestied. He was the brother of Tito Acerbo.
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): A commune of Basilicata, in the province of Potenza.
Former Names (if any): (anc. Acherontia; Acheruntia, Aceruntia or Acerentia).
Region: Basilicata│ Province: Potenza.
Coordinates: Lat. 40°47'35"N │ Long. 15°56'14"E.
Location/Setting: Located 41 km. NE of Potenza, it sits on a steep limestone hill between the river Bradano and a tributary of the Fiumasella. Part of the Comunità Montana Alto Bradano.
Alt.: 833 m.
Area: 7,713 km².
Population: 3,010 (2001).
Pop. Density: /km².
Frazioni & Localities:
CAP: 85011
Tel. Prefix: 0971
ISTAT:
Name of Inhabitants: Acheruntino, Acheruntini.
Patron Saint(s):  S. Canio Martire (Feast Day: May 25).
Economy: Traditionally, Acerenza’s economy was devoted almost exclusively to wine, and it still remains a center for the production of Aglianico del Vulture DOC wine. After a severe outbreak of pyloxera devastated the vineyards, other products increased in importance, notably wheat, olive oil, sausage and cheese.
History: Archaeological evidence shows that the town is of prehistoric, Oscan origin. In ancient times it was known as Acerentia, Aceruntia, Acheruntia or Acherontia. Because of its strategically important position along the frontier between Lucania and Apulia, the Romans captured it in 318 BC. Horace (Odes III, IV, 14) referred to it as “the high nest of Acherontia.” The town rose to the status of a colonia during the Late Republic. Under the Empire, the town became the seat of one of Italy’s earliest known diocese. Documentary evidence exists for a bishop named Justus dating to AD 499. Today Acerenza is the seat of an archdiocese.
                Acerenza’s strategic location was readily apparent to the medieval invaders of Italy. From here it was possible to overlook much of the Adriatic and Mediterranean, making it a vital prize to anyone seeking control over southern Italy. Strongly fortified by 6th century Ostrogothic King Totila, it was later fought over by the Byzantines and Lombards. As part of the Lombard Duchy of Benevento (6th-9th centuries), Acerenza became the administrative seat of a semi-independent chamberlain or seneschal. Grimwald, the Duke of Benevento from AD 687 to 689, did much to restore the prosperity of the town. During the 9th century, the Byzantines dominated the region. During the reign of Nichophorus Phocas (963-69), they forced the Catholic diocese to adopt the Greek Rite, becoming suffragan to Otranto. In 1041, the city fell to the Normans, who strengthened the town with new fortifications. Damage was suffered from earthquakes in 1694, 1851, 1857, 1905, 1910, 1930, 1980, and 1982.

Historical Population Figures

Points of Interest: The waters of the fountain of the La Pila have long been held to have curative powers for liver and gastrointestinal problems.
The Palazzo Ducale dates from the 15th century.
Other monuments of note are a cylindrical tower of later date than the cathedral, and the 18th century Palazzo Saluzzi.
The Museo Diocesano contains several interesting paintings, sculptures, hangings, and other sacred artifacts from the various churches of the diocese.
The principal monument is the Cathedral of Assunta e S. Canio. Founded by the Normans in 1080, it was rebuilt as a Romanesque structure in 1281. Although the original cathedral had three entrances through the façade (remodeled in 1524), the right one was eliminated in the second structure to make way for towers. It possesses a splendid west portal. The central portico has 12^th century Apulian-Romanesque truncated columns and an arch supported by columns with bases carved in the shape of men and monkeys. The interior plan is in the shape of a Latin cross. Large pillars separate the nave and two aisles. Three radiating apsidoles in the ambulatory are accessed through a fine wooden portal. Among the numerous treasures is an Ionic capital converted into a holy-water stoup. Perhaps the best artwork consists of a pair of 16^th century panels: the first of these showing a Pieta, the other a Madonna of the Rosary. Two Renaissance portals provide access to the crypt that is decorated with some early 16^th century frescoes. The dome of the structure is a relatively recent addition. A small museum houses a famous bust once thought to have been that of St. Canus or Canius (? Ascanius). Modern scholars, however, are divided on the identity of the figure. One group believes the bust is the earliest known depiction of the Roman emperor Julian the Apostate (rAD 361-363). Others identify it as the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Sicily Frederick Ii “the Great”.
                Two other religious buildings of note are the 11^th/ 12^th century churches of SS. Annunziata and S. Laviero (the latter possessing interesting arcades and a dome).
Culture:
Festivals/Feasts/Events:
Medieval historical procession- Aug 12.
Acerenza, Archdiocese of
Founded: AD 4^th 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 4^th century AD and became an archdiocese in the 11^th century. It was united with the diocese of Matera in 1203.
Acerno (SA): A commune of Campania, in the province of Salerno.
Former Names (if any): anc. Acerronia; Acernum; Picentia
Region: Campania│ Province: Salerno.
Coordinates: Lat. 40°44'19" N/ Long. 15°3'28" E.
Location/Setting: Located 44 km ENE of Salerno. It is situated in the Monti Picentini, to the right of the river Tusciano. The economy is based largely on agriculture and forestry. It is a center for summer vacation homes. The commune’s territory contains forests of maple, oak, chestnut, alder, hazelnut, beech, holm oak, and linden trees. Part of the Comunità Montana Zona Monti Picentini. Part of the Regione Agraria n. 1 - Versante meridionale dei Picentini.
Alt.: 727 m.
Area: 72.43 km².
Population: 3,013(2001).
Pop. Density: /km².
Frazioni & Localities:
CAP: 84042
Tel. Prefix: 089
ISTAT:
Name of Inhabitants: Acernesi.
Patron Saint(s): San Donato (Feast Day:).
Economy:

Historic Population Figures:

History:
Acerno was founded in ancient times by refugees from ancient Picentia, who, in c197 BC, lost their homes to the Romans during the 2nd Punic War. Called Acerronia (“acer”= maple, for the abundance of these trees in the area) and Picentia (Picenti = an ancient Italic people) in ancient times, the town sat along on the Via Populia in Roman times. The town was also known as Acernum.
                Despite Acerno’s antiquity, its first historical mention appears in a document from 1027 preserved in the archives of the abbey of Cava di Tirreni. According to the Catalogo Baronum, in c1150 Acerno and Giffoni Sei Casali were inherited by Guido de Acerno from his father Tomrnaso. On August 17, 1245 Pope Innocent IV confirms to Filippo of Acerno the possession several fiefs including Acerno and Castronuovo. When Charles of Anjou granted his son, Charles, the title of Prince of Salerno (1271), one of the latter’s vassal barons was an Adenasius de Tarascono “castris Acerni ed Castellinovi.” On February 22, 1291, Prince Charles nominated Riccardo d'Aiello of Salerno balio of Giovanni of Acerno. Later, in 1298, Acerno came under the control of Ruggiero (Roger) di Lauria, the Grand Admiral of the Kingdom. Over the next couple of centuries, Acerno was dominated by several different lords including Guglielmo Vaccaro (1337), Roberto Grillo (1346), Francesco Guindazzo (1381), and Antonio de Muro (1445). In 1453, the fiefs of Acerno and Calabritto were inherited by “Herrichettus de Fusco”, from his brother “Panducius de Fusco”. In 1469, Troiano Santomango became lord of Acerno, Calabritto and Muro.  On May 31, 1507 Octavio Colonna was granted the fiefs of Acerno and Calabritto, which were later, passed on to his son Marcello. When Marcello died in 1534, the fiefs of Acerno, Calabritto, and Rigalise were inherited by his son Camillo. The last of the Colonnas to hold Acerno and Calabritto was Pompeo who inherited them in 1558. In 1577, Pompeo sold Acerno and Calabritto for 30,500 ducats to Diomede della Cornia, marquis of Castiglione. His son, Ascanio, inherited the fiefs when Diomede died on October 2, 1596. Upon Ascanio’s death (August 12, 1605) the properties passed to his son, Fulvio. Fulvio held the fiefs until 1619 when he was allowed to sell them to Giovan Battista d'Aste for 39,000 ducats. They were, in turn, inherited by his son Carlo (1634) and grandson Maurizio (1648). The fiefs were again sold, this time to Girolamo d'Aquino (1659) and Antonio Tocco (1665). Antonio’s nephew, Carlo, inherited the properties in 1678. He sold Acerno and Calabritto to Nicola Gascon Y Altanas, Cavaliere of the Order of Alcantara on Aug 30, 1698. The latter was granted the title of Marquis but held the fiefs for only a very short time. The title and properties came into the possession of Antonio Gascon Y Vandeinde on November 24, 1698. His family remained lords of the towns until the death of Marquis Giuseppe Gascon in 1777. The lands came under direct Royal control for a few years until 1781when it was sold to Girolano Mascaro, Patrician of the city of Salerno and President of the Royal Chamber (Regia Camera). The elimination of feudalism in 1806 finally brought freedom to Acerno.

During the 12th century it became the seat of a diocese that, in 1818, came under the perpetual administration of the Archbishop of Salerno.
Damage was suffered from earthquakes in 1694, 1853, 1905, 1910, 1980, and 1984.

Points of Interest:
Monuments:
Museums:
Churches (& other religious sites):
The principal monument is the Baroque Cathedral of S. Matteo, or S. Donato. Founded in 1444, it has undergone several reconstructions. There is an interesting campanile which combines several different styles. In the presbytery are four paintings of the Evangelists, created by Pallante in 1797.
                Another interesting religious monument is the church of the Madonna delle Grazie.
Culture:
Festivals/Feasts/Events:
Carnevale Picentino- August.
Sagra della castagna (Feast of the Chestnut)- 1st Sunday in November.
Acerno, Former Diocese of
A former diocese erected in the 11^th century.  In 1818, it was united with the Archdiocese of Salerno to become the Archdiocese of Salerno (-Acerno).
Acerno, Forca di (AQ): An alpine pass (alt. 1535 m.) at the edge of the Parco Nazionale d’Abruzzo connecting the valleys of the Comino (Liri) and Sangro.
Acernum (mod. Acerno [SA]): A town of the ancient Picenti. It was located to the east of Salerno.
Acerona (mod. Brienza [PZ]): A town in ancient Lucania, located between Forum Popilii and Marcellina.
Acerone di Avella (AV): A mountain (1,591m) of the Campanian Apennines, located in the province of Avellino.
Acerra (NA): A commune of Campania, in the province of Napoli.
Former Names (if any): anc. Acerrae.
Region: Campania │ Province: Napoli.
Coordinates: Lat. 40° 57′ 6′′ N/Long. 14° 22′ 37′′ E.
Location/Setting: Located 14 km NNE of Naples, it is situated in a quadrilateral plain along the Carmignano Canal. Part of the Regione Agraria n. 6 - Piano Campano sud-orientale.
Alt.: 26 m.
Area: 54.08 km².
Population: 50,808 (2006e); 50,808 (2005); 45,688 (2001); 41,311 (1991); 36,052 (1981) .
Pop. Density: 821.02/km² (2005).
Frazioni & Localities: Gaudello, Pezzalunga.
CAP: 80011
Tel. Prefix: 081
ISTAT:
Name of Inhabitants: Acerrani.
Patron Saint(s):  San Cuono. Feast Day: May 29.
Economy: Much of the commune is devoted to the production of corn, hemp, potatoes and beans. Sulfur and mineral springs are located in the commune.
History:
Of Oscan or Etruscan origins, the town came under Samnite control in the 5th century BC. It is known to have been part of a league of Etrusco-Oscan cities controlled by Capua. Its first mention in history occurred in 332 BC when, at the end of a war of the Romans against the Latins and Campanians, it received the status of civitas sine suffragio (citizenship without voting rights) in the Roman State. In 216 BC, during the 2nd Punic War, the town was besieged and destroyed by Hannibal. For their loyalty to Rome, the citizens received permission to reconstruct their town in 210 BC. The new town, with its strong fortifications, remained loyal to Rome during the Social War of the early 1st century BC, successfully withstanding a siege by rebel forces under C. Papius in 90 BC. While the ancient town was able to defend itself from the attacks of men, it had no defense from those of nature. Because of its proximity to the river Clanius, the town suffered repeated flooding, undermining its buildings and destroying its crops. For much of the remainder of the 1st century BC Acerrae saw its population and prosperity decline dramatically. In the early years of the Empire, however, new life was breathed into the town. Augustus (r37 BC – AD 14) established a Roman veterans’ colony on the site in 22 BC. Unfortunately, this new revitalization was short-lived and Pliny the Elder (AD 23-79) described the town as municipium instead of a colonia. Eventually it came under the control of a Prefect appointed directly from Rome instead of being locally chosen. During the peace of the early Empire, Acerrae became an important center for the worship of the Egyptian deities Isis and Serapis. A major temple to these gods was built here as was one dedicated to Hercules. Even so, Acerrae managed to remain a place of enough importance to become the seat of a bishopric during the 6th century AD.
                After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Acerra changed hands several times. It came under the control of the Byzantine Duchy of Naples in AD 494. It was seized by the Lombards of Benevento in c826, who fortified it with a castle. It survived the ravages of the Saracens who destroyed neighboring Suessula in cAD 880/1. During the first half of the 11th century, a Norman county was established here. The earlier Lombard castle, which had been destroyed, was rebuilt and strengthened further. The Hohenstaufen Emperor, Frederick II, granted the town as a fief to his legate Tommaso D’Aquino (1218). Near the end of the 13th century, the town came under the direct control of the Angevin rulers of Naples. In 1310, it again changed status, becoming a fief of the Counts of Aquino. In 1420, Acerra suffered the first of two successful sieges by the Aragonese. The second one, in 1480, was led by King Ferdinand I. Despite these defeats, anti-Aragonese feelings continued and the town took part in the unsuccessful Conspiracy of the Barons (1485-86). Soon after this it was awarded to Ferdinando de Carenas whose family who held it until 1806.
                Throughout most of its history Acerra remained a victim of flooding by the river Clanius. Only in relatively recent times were canals finally dug designed to draw floodwaters away from the town.
                Damage was suffered from earthquakes in 1456, 1857, 1910, 1930, 1962, 1980, and 1984.

Historical Population Figures

Points of Interest: It is the seat of a bishopric. Flooding has left little of the ancient town.
Monuments:
The partial remains of a Roman theater were excavated in the 1980s. Of major interest are the scena and the area which housed the choir and musicians.
The Castello dei Conti has a massive round tower. The castle, founded in the 9th century, was built on the site of a Roman theater and followed the plan of this earlier structure. Excavators have unearthed large portions of the ancient structure. Some excellent examples of Norman era architecture and art have also been discovered in the first floor of the castle.
Outside the center, but within the commune are the ruins of ancient Suessula and the 18th century Casa Spinelli.
Museums:
In one part of the Castello dei Conti is the Museo delle Genti di Liburia - Museo della Maschera, del Folklore e della Civiltà Contadina which contains some interesting masks and other materials connected with the local folklore and daily lives of the peasant community. 
                The museum contains a number of interesting artifacts excavated from the nearby ruins of Suessula.
Churches (& other religious sites):
The 16th century Baroque Cathedral of S. Maria Assunta sits on the site of an ancient temple of Hercules. It partially collapsed in 1789 and was restored in 1843. The structure was almost completely rebuilt between 1859 and 1874. The façade was built in 1874. The Cathedral’s atrium is decorated with Ionic columns. Its interior has a nave and two aisles. Some of the relics from the earlier cathedral (including an outstanding Renaissance bishop’s throne) are preserved in the present one. The stuccowork decoration was added in the mid-18th century. Near the entrance there is a 16th century marble relief depicting the Annunciation on the holy-water stoup. There is a fine altarpiece painting from 1798 by Giacinto Diana showing the Assumption.
The Baroque church of the Annunziata possesses a beautiful dome. One of its chapels contains a 12th century Franco-Italian wooden crucifix. The 14th /15th century altarpiece depicts an Annunciation.
Culture:
Festivals/Feasts/Events:
Journey of the Befana- Jan. 6.
Acerra, Diocese of:
Suffragans:
Metropolitan: Napoli
Conference Region: Campania
Area:  157 km²/ 60 mi²
Total Population: 110,187
Catholic Population:
Total Priests: 49(Diocesan: 28; Religious: 21)
Permanent Deacons: 0.
Male Religious:
Female Religious:
Parishes: 27
History: Founded in the 11^th century.
Acerra, Torrente: A waterway (length: 5 km) of Campania, located in the province of Salerno. Rising near Serradarce, it flows into the river Sele at the railroad station for Tuori-Serradarce.
Acerrae (or Acherrae) (mod. Acerra [NA]): Ancient town of Campania, called Acerrae by Pliny, Livy, and Dio Cassius, and Acherrae by Strabo. It was located near the source of the river Clanius, and became a Roman town in 332 BC. It was destroyed by Hannibal during the Second Punic War. Later rebuilt, it was colonized by Augustus.
Acerronia: Ancient name for Acerno (SA).
Acerronius: An important gens (or clan) of ancient Lucania. They are mentioned on several inscriptions from Potentia (mod. Potenza) and the surrounding area.
Acerronius Proculus, Gnaeus: (fl. 1st half of the 1st century AD). Roman consul in AD 37. During his consulship he dedicated a building to the Oscan deity Mefitis Utiana, at the ancient Lucanian sanctuary of Rossano di Vaglio (near modern Vaglio [PZ]). The Latin inscription bearing his name describes the construction of an aedes (=temple) but it was found in association with the remains of a stoa.
Acesines (Akesinês), River: Ancient name for the river Alcantara (or Cantara) in NE Sicily. It appears in history under this name only in Thucydides (iv. 25) with regards to an attack on Naxos by the Messenians in 425 BC. It may be the same as the river which Pliny calls the Asines and Vibius Sequester calls the Asinius. It was sometimes called the Onobalas. A canal on the planet Mars has been named for the river Acesines.
Acesta: See Segesta.
Acestes (or Aegestes): A mythological hero associated with W Sicily. He was the son of the Sicilian river-god Crimisus and Egesta (or Segesta), an exiled Trojan noble woman sent to Sicily by her father to save her from monsters then devastating the Troad (the area around ancient Troy). After the Trojan War, Acetes settled near Mt. Eyrx (Monte Erice) in W Sicily where he founded the cities of Segesta (named for his mother), Entella (named for his wife), Eryx, and Asca. Acestes warmly welcomed Aeneas and his followers when they landed in his territory. When Aeneas returned to Sicily, after his adventure with Dido in Africa, he held funeral games for his late father Anchises. As a participant in an archery contest during these games, Acestes shot an arrow into the air with such force that it caught fire. Aeneas, interpreting this as a good sign, awarded Acestes the prize. Many of Aeneas’s Trojan followers chose to remain behind in Acetes’s kingdom where they married with the native population. This legend of a Trojan origin for the Elymians of Sicily later contributed to both their historically documented hostility towards the Greeks (traditional enemies of the Trojans) and to their support of the Romans, whom they viewed as Trojan descended kinsmen. Some sources contend that Acestes was a total invention of Virgil created as a way of moving his story along. Others, however, believe that Acestes was a figure who belonged to the mythology of western Sicily whose story was told to Virgil during a visit to the island.
                Dante mentions the story of Acestes and Aeneas in the Purgatorio section of his “Divine Comedy.” The poet places those Trojans who remained behind in Sicily with Acestes among the Slothful in the 4^th Circle of Purgatory.
Acestorides: A Corinthian general elected by the Syracusans as their principal military commander in 317 BC. He was banished from Syracuse by Agathocles.
Acetabulum: an ancient Roman vessel of standardized size utilized for holding sauce. It was used as a unit of for liquid measure equaling about 2 fluid ounces or 1/8 of a pint. The term derives from the Latin acetum (=vinegar).
Achaea (or Achaia): An alternate name for the Italic goddess Minerva, used at ancient Luceria in Apulia.
Achaeans (Achaians): Name for the aboriginal inhabitants of the Peloponnesus who were conquered by the Dorians.
Achaemenides (or Achemenides): A mythological character. The son of Adamastus, he was a Greek from Ithaca who fought at Troy under Ulysses (Odysseus). While returning home from the war, the Greeks stopped in eastern Sicily where they encountered the Cyclops Polyphemus. During their chaotic escape, they accidentally left Achaemenides behind. There he led a precarious existence, always in danger of being discovered by the Cyclopes. When Aeneas and the Trojan refugees arrived on the eastern coast of Sicily, they found Achaemenides, who warned by him of the Cyclopes. Although Achaemenides had once been an enemy, Aeneas honorably rescued him.
Achaeus (1): A Greek tragic poet from ancient Syracuse. He wrote from 10 to 14 tragedies, now all lost. He should not be mistaken for Achaeus of Eretria, a better-known poet born in 484 BC.
Achaeus (2): A Greek slave who commanded the army of Eunus during the First Servile War.
Achaia: See Achaea.

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. Many scholars believe it to derive from Acis, a mythological figure connected with the area since ancient times. According to the Metamorphosis of Ovid, Acis was a handsome Sicilian youth, the mortal son of the nature-god Faunus and the sea-nymph Symaethis. Beloved by the beautiful nymph Galatea, he aroused the jealousy of her spurned suitor, the Cyclops Polyphemus. In a fit of rage the Cyclops attacked Acis, crushing the youth beneath a huge rock from Mt. Etna. As the stream of Acis's blood poured out from beneath the rock, it was divinely changed into the river Aci, although some choose to connect it with the river today called the Fiumefreddo. An associated legend claims that Polyphemus tore the body of Acis into nine parts, scattering them throughout the countryside. Collectively these sites came to be known as the Nove aci (the Nine Acis): Aci Bonaaccorsi, Aci Castello, Aci Catena, Aci Platani, Acireale, Aci S. Filippo, Aci S. Antonio, Aci S. Lucia and Aci Trezza. The nearby coastal area, the Riviera dei Ciclopi, likewise came to be associated with the legends of Polyphemus and the other Cyclopses. The actual root for aci- appears to derive from the Greek word Akus (“penetrating”) and was probably first attached to the ancient river Acis because of the cold temperature of its water.
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.
Former Names (if any): (Sic.: Jaci Bonaccossi) anc. Xiphonia.
Region: Sicily │ Province: Catania.
Coordinates: Lat. 37° 35' 55" N/Long. 15° 6' 31" E.
Location/Setting: Located 13 km N of Catania. It is situated in a coastal, hilly area, on the SE slope of Mt. Etna.  Part of the Regione Agraria n. 7 - Colline litoranee di Acireale.
Alt.: 365 m.
Area: 1.70 km².
Population: 2,752 (2006e).
Pop. Density: /km².
Frazioni & Localities:
CAP: 95020.
Tel. Prefix: 095
ISTAT:
Name of Inhabitants: Bonaccorsesi.
Patron Saint(s):  Santo Stefano. Feast Day: Aug. 3.
Economy: Blessed with a rich volcanic soil, the interior portion of the commune is given over principally to vineyards. The coastal area, on the other hand, is devoted to the cultivation of citrus (particularly summer lemons), grapes, almonds, olives, and vegetables. In those areas not suitable to agriculture, livestock breeding, centering on goats, horses and cattle, predominates. Manufacturing of clothing and wood products (furniture) is also important to the economy. The commune produces some notable cheeses.
History: Aci Bonaccorsi had its beginnings in four neighboring hamlets, Pauloti (Paoli), Leonii (Leoni), Battiati and Bonaccorsi, founded in medieval times (c1170) on land (district of Bonaccorsi). It does not appear in historical documents, however, until the middle of the 16th century. A fief of the princes of Campofiorito during the 13th and 14th centuries, it was part of the territory of Aci, and later passed under the control of the Genoese Diana family. In 1625, the latter received the title of Marquis of Aci Bonaccorsi. In 1760, the town's lord was Giuseppe Nicolò Diana, Duke of Cefalù. It continued to be part of this family’s possessions until the abolition of feudalism in the early 19th century.
                Damage was suffered from an eruption of Mt. Etna in 1444 and from earthquakes in 1693, 1818, 1911, 1947, 1968, and 1990.

Points of Interest:
Monuments: There is also a notable fountain (Fontana Castello) in the main piazza of the commune. Constructed of lava stone in 1952 by the Sicilian sculptor S. Contarino, it is decorated with high-relief work showing the Scogli dei Ciclopi.
Museums:
Churches (& other religious sites): The principal monument is the Mother Church of S. Maria della Consolazione, whose interior is decorated by some fine 18^th century frescoes.
Culture:
Festivals/Feasts/Events:
International Festival of the Fuochi d'artificio (Fires of Artiface)- Aug. 2.
Glorification of the patron saint S. Stefano- Aug 3.
Sagra della Ricotta (ricotta cheese festival)
Plants and Flowers Exhibit- April and May.
Aci Castello (CT): A commune of Sicily,in the  province of Catania.
Former Names (if any): (sometimes Acicastello)
Region: Sicilia│ Province: Catania.
Coordinates: Lat. 37°33'33" N/Long. 15°8'7" E.
Location/Setting: Located on the E. coast of Sicily 9 km NE of Catania, it is situated beside a basalt cliff, on the E. slope of Mt. Etna.  Part of the Regione Agraria n. 8 - Piana di Catania.
Alt.: 15 m.
Area: 8.65 km².
Population: 18,057 (2006e); 18,084 (2005).
Pop. Density: /km².
Frazioni & Localities: Aci Trezza, Ficarazzi, Cannizzaro.
CAP: 95021
Tel. Prefix: 095
ISTAT:
Name of Inhabitants: Castellesi.
Patron Saint(s):  San Mauro Abate. Feast Day: Jan. 15.
Economy: The center has a fishing-port on the Ionian coast. Much of the communal land is devoted to agriculture (citrus fruits, olives, grapes, almonds, and cereals). Other areas are devoted to cattle-breeding. The commune has long been noted for the woodcraft practiced by local artisans. In recent times, the commune has also been developed as a seaside resort.
History: Although no archaeological evidence survives, it is known the site was fortified by a fortress throughout the Greek and Roman eras. This first citadel was destroyed in AD 902 by the Saracens under the Emir Ibrahim.
The earliest settlement arose around a Norman castle (from which the commune derives its name) built here in 1076. Soon afterwards, it was given as a fief to the Bishops of Catania by Count Roger I. Most of the original town was destroyed by an earthquake in 1169. In 1297, the rebellious admiral Roger di Lauria utilized the imposing castle here as a stronghold during his conflict against Frederick II of Aragon. An Aragonese force laid siege to the castle, but could not breech the strong defenses until they built a wooden tower (known as the “stork”) equal in height to the castle wall. Using a flying bridge, they were able to cross from the tower to the wall and captured the place.
                In 1320, the castle was given to Blasco of Alagon. In 1354, a Angevin force under the command of Marshal Acciaioli attacked and destroyed the castle. Blasco, who was away organizing the defenses of Catania, sailed against the Angevins, destroyed their fleet, and retook Aci Castello. The place was inherited by Blasco’s son, Artale, and later, by Artale’s son and namesake, Artale II. In 1386, while Artale II was away, the Sicilian King, Martin attacked and burned the castle.
                The castle eventually came under the control of the Spanish kings. It remained a citadel and prison until 1528, when it was granted the status of an autonomous commune by Charles V. In 1634, King Philip III ordered the restoration of the castle wall. More work was done to repair earthquake damage after the terrible disaster of 1693. The castle was not completely abandoned for official use until the beginning of the 20^th century. It later came to be used as a storehouse. The structure was finally restored in 1967 – 69.
                A new town did not arise on the site until c1530. This new settlement expanded to annex the neighboring villages of Ficarazzi and Aci Trezza. In 1647, the town was given to the Massa family who continued to hold it until the end of feudalism in the early 19^th century.
                Damage was suffered from earthquakes in 1169, 1693, 1818, 1905, 1908, 1911, 1947, 1975, and 1990.

Points of Interest: Just off the coast about 1 km to the NE of Acire­ale are the seven basalt islets known as the Scogli di Ciclopi (“Cyclo­pean Rocks”) or Faraglioni. Ancient tradition claims that as the Greek hero Odysseus (Ulysses) sailed away from Sicily, the blinded Cyclops Polyphemus tore rocks from Mt. Etna to hurl at the departing ships. The largest of these rocks, Isola Lachea (or Isola di Aci) rises to a height of c70 m. and has a circumference of 701 m. The University of Catania has built a marine biology station here.
The frazione of Aci Trezza (sometimes Acitrezza) is located 2 km N of the communal center. It is a popular seaside resort. A fishing port and resort, it was used as the setting for Giovanni Verga’s novel “I Malavoglia” (publ. 1881).
Monuments: Although many sources report that the Normans were the first to fortify the sea-girt basalt rock, evidence shows that a Roman fortification, called the Fortress Saturnia, stood there in ancient times. The Normans did build a castle there in 1076. In 1169, however, this stronghold was destroyed by a lava flow during an eruption of Mt. Etna. The second castle was built Tancred in 1189, which was strengthened by Roger di Lauria as part of his rebellion in 1297. Today it is still possible to see the imposing remains of this structure just to the NE of the modern town. The castle now houses a civic museum containing mineralogical, paleontological and archaeological specimens.
The Palazzo Communale dates from 1659.
Museums: The 17^th century Palazzo Communale houses a fine small municipal museum and library. The museum, founded 1985, has sections devoted to local Mineralogy, Paleontology and Archaeology.
The art museum (or Pinacoteca dell’Academia Zelantea) contains an ancient bust of Julius Caesar and works by Luca Giordano, Guido Reni, and Salvator Rosa.
Churches (& other religious sites): Chiesa Madre of San Mauro Abata contains some fine frescoes by Pietro Vasta (1697-1760).
Other churches include those of San Giovanni Battista (Aci Trezza), Maria SS della Provvidenza (Ficarazzi), and Immacolata Concezione (Cannizzaro).
Culture:
Festivals/Feasts/Events:
Aci Catena (CT): A commune of Sicily, in the province of Catania.
Former Names (if any): (Sic.: Jaci Catena). Scarpi or Contrada delli Scarpi.
Region: Sicilia│ Province: Catania.
Coordinates: Lat. 37° 35' 49"N/Long. 15° 8' 27" E.
Location/Setting: Located 18 km NE of Catania, it is situated in a hilly coastal area at the SE. foot of M. Etna. Part of the Regione Agraria n. 7 - Colline litoranee di Acireale.
Alt.: 170 m.
Area: 8.45 km².
Population: 28,090 (2006e).
Pop. Density: /km².
Frazioni & Localities: Aci S.Filippo, Aci S.Lucia, S.Nicolò, Vampolieri, Eremo S.Anna.
CAP: 95022
Tel. Prefix: 095
ISTAT:
Name of Inhabitants: Catenoti.
Patron Saint(s):  Maria SS. della Catena. Feast Day: Jan. 11 & Aug. 15.
Economy: It has an active industry in the production of perfumes. Agriculture dominates the rest of the economy. Principal products include fruit, vegetables, and citrus fruits.
History: There is evidence that the site was settled in ancient times. The center was originally called Scarpi, or Contrada delli Scarpi (the shoe district), so-named because of the many cobblers who lived there. The present town arose in the 16^th century around the Church of Madonna della Catena. During the second part of the 17^th century, it was a fief of the Riggio family, Princes of Campofiorito, who continued to hold it until the end of feudalism in the early 19^th century. The devastating earthquake of 1693 caused significant damage but also brought many refugees from other towns to settle here, increasing the town’s size and local importance. A natural calamity of a different type, a great flood, occurred in 1761, killing many people. In 1826, the town’s name was changed to Aci Catena to honor Maria Santissima della Catena.
                Damage was suffered from earthquakes in 1669, 1693, 1818, 1894, 1911, 1947, and 1990.

Points of Interest: It is known as the Città del Limone Verdello (City of the Verdello Lemon).
Monuments: The principal secular monument is the Palazzo Riggio di Campofiorito, dating from the 17^th century. It is in a poor state of preservation.
                There are archaeological remains dating back to Greco-Roman times.
Museums:
Churches (& other religious sites): The present Church of Sant'Antonio di Padova dates to the 17^th century. Its treasures include two works by the painter Pietro Paolo Vasta (1697-1760), a 17^th century Crucifix by Fra Umile di Petralia, and several marble statues.
                The Chiesa Madre, originally founded in the 16^th century, was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693. Its interior contains a fresco of “Rebecca alla Fonte” by Pietro Paolo Vasta.
                The Church of San Filippo d’Agira has a beautiful 18^th century façade created by Francesco Battaglia (1701-1778).
                The 17^th century Church of San Giuseppe has a large, notable dome.
                The church of Santa Lucia also dates to after the earthquake of 1693.
                The church of the Hermitage of S. Anna contains some fine majolica pavement.
Chiesa di S. Antonio di Padova,
Chiesa dell’Eremo di S. Anna,
Chiesa di S. Giacomo,
Chiesa di S. Maria della Catena,
Chiesa di S. Maria della Consolazione
The Chiesa Madre in the frazione of Aci San Filippo has a beautiful 18^th century façade. The associated campanile has a lava stone plinth.
Culture:
Festivals/Feasts/Events:
Festival in the frazione of Aci San Filippo- May 12
Feast of Maria Santissima della Catena- August 15.
Sagra del limone Verdello (festival of the Verdello lemon)- August.
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.
Former Names (if any): (Sic. Jaci Sant'Antoniu)
Region: Sicilia │ Province: Catania.
Coordinates: Lat. 37°36'25"N/Long. 15°7'15" E.
Location/Setting: Located 13 km NNE of Catania, it is situated in a coastal hilly area on the SE slope of M. Etna. Part of the Regione Agraria n. 7 - Colline litoranee di Acireale.
Alt.: 302 m.
Area: 14.27 km².
Population: 16,901 (2006e).
Pop. Density: /km².
Frazioni & Localities: S.Maria La Stella, Monterosso Etneo, Lavinaio, Lavina.
CAP: 95025.
Tel. Prefix: 095.
ISTAT:
Name of Inhabitants: Santantoniesi.
Patron Saint(s):  Sant'Antonio Abate. Feast Day: Jan. 17.
Economy: The economy is based principally on agriculture (citrus fruits, olives, fruit, and wine grapes). The commune is also a center for livestock breeding (cattle and horses). One of the most important manufactured products is linseed oil. The town is also a center for the production of the famous Sicilian decorated carts (Carretti Siciliani). Another typically Sicilian art form practiced here is the manufacture of Sponde, figures used to recreate the feats of the medieval French Paladins.
History: The town arose in medieval times around a now-lost church dedicated to Sant’Antonio (hence its name). That church, along with the rest of the original town, has been destroyed by the many lava-flows from Mt. Etna (1169, 1329, and 1408) that have ravaged the place. The commune has been a feudal fief for much of its history, belonging first to the Platamone family, and later to the Moncada family. After being abandoned for a time, the present center arose on the site (Aci Superiore) in 1672 under the control of Luigi (or Stefano) Riggio, Prince of Campofranco and Campoflorido. The Spanish crown awarded him the title of Prince of Aci S. Antonio and S. Filippo. This new town was severely damaged by the great earthquake of 1693 and largely rebuilt.
                In 1702, the Prince of Campoflorido Luigi II constructed a great palace in the town.
                On April 15, 1951 Aci Sant’Antonio gave up some of its territory to create the new commune of Valven­de.
                Major earthquakes struck in 1669, 1693, 1818, 1894, 1905, 1907, 1908, 1911, 1914, 1975, and 1990.

Points of Interest:
Monuments: The principal secular monuments are the Palazzo Riggio and the Palazzo Spitaleri, both founded in 1700.
                The Palazzo del Maltese was constructed and the end of the 18^th century by Count Mario Amico (called il Maltese). It is believed his nickname derives from the fact that, although of Sicilian blood, he was born in Malta. A stone representation of the Amico coat of arms (which incorporates the double-headed Hapsburg eagle) can be seen in the buildings interior. The building was abandoned in 1968 due to the construction of a nearby multilevel condominium complex which blocked the sun from reaching the palazzo for most of the day.
                The former Palazzo Comunale dates from the second half of the 18^th century. At various times it has been used for a number of governmental functions.
Museums:
Churches (& other religious sites): The present Cathedral of S. Antonio Abate was constructed in the 17^th century to replace an earlier destroyed by the great earthquake of 1693. The front of the church, designed by Francesco Battaglia (1701?-1778), combines trabeations, columns and frames. The façade is Baroque in style. In the choir are paintings by Alessandro Vasta (1720-1793).  The altarpiece consists of a painting by Michele Panebianco (1806-1873) of Messina, depicting Sant'Antonio. Other artists with works here include Sciuto and Lo Loco.
The Church of S. Michele includes among the treasures several paintings by Pietro Paolo Vasta (1697-1760).
Culture:
Festivals/Feasts/Events: Annual Fair dedicated to Sicilian wines- August.
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.
Former Names (if any): (Sic. Jaci) anc. Xiphonia, Acium, Aquilia, Aquilia Nuova, Akis(?).
Region: Sicily│ Province: Catania.
Coordinates: Lat: N│ Long: E.
Location/Setting: Situated on the E coast of Sicily, about 9 miles NE of Catania. It was almost completely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1693 on the E. coast of Sicily, in a fertile valley on the E. slope of M. Etna, overlooking the shoreline. The city sits on 7 platforms formed by lava flows from Mt. Etna. Part of the Regione Agraria n. 7 - Colline litoranee di Acireale.
Alt.: .
Area: 39.96 km².
Population: 52,490 [2006e].
Pop. Density: /km².
Frazioni & Localities: S.Maria La Scala, S.Tecla, Stazzo, Pozzillo, S.M.Ammalati, Guardia, Mangano, Capomulini, S.Cosmo, Balatelle, Pennisi, Fiandaca, Loreto, Piano d'Api, Aciplatani, Scillichenti, S.Caterina, S.M.delle Grazie, S.M.la Stella, S.G.Bosco.
CAP: 95024
Tel. Prefix: 095
ISTAT:
Name of Inhabitants: Acesi.
Patron Saint(s):  Santa Venera. Feast Day: July 26./ San Sebastiano. Feast Day: Jan. 20.
Economy: Acireale is fortunate to have a diverse economic base. The communal territory is given over mainly to agriculture (cereals, fruits, and vegetables), with special emphasis on vineyards and citrus orchards. Animal breeding (cattle, sheep) is also important. There is also a variety of non-agricultural industries located here; the principal ones centering on foodstuffs (syrup, macaroni), leather goods, textiles (silks, linens, cottons, embroidery), carved lava rock, wrought iron, soap, wax, glass, cutlery, metal furniture and musical instruments. In addition, the commune also possesses pozzuolana mines. Along the coast, a certain segment of the population practices coral fishing. Port facilities are also located here.
History: Ancient Acium took its name from the nearby river Aci and, by extension, from the mythical Greek/Sicilian character, Acis. Despite its apparent prosperity during Roman times, when it was called Aquilia, the town never played an important role historically. Acium's only literary mention appears in the Itinerary, which lists it as a community between Catana and Tauromenium.
                Ancient Acis survived the turmoil of the early Middle Ages only to suffer destruction from an earthquake in 1169. Rebuilt soon afterwards, the second city (Aquilia Nuova) suffered the terrors of Saracen piratical raids throughout the 13^th and 14^th centuries. The worst calamity, however, came at the hands of their fellow Christians. In 1326, the town was burnt by the fleet of Robert of Anjou. According to legend, this was an act of revenge carried out by Beltrando Del Balzo for a supposed insult given him by the population of the town. The town managed to partly survive the attack, but soon afterward (1329) a new eruption of Etna forced the people to abandon the old site. The third city arose nearby, located on higher, less vulnerable ground. Held as a fief by the Mastrantonio family since 1488, it returned to direct royal control in 1531. In 1553, the crown attempted to withdraw its privileges and reduce the town once more to the status of a fief. Faced with this loss of status and freedom, the people of the town managed to bribe the king into changing his mind. In 1577, anti-Spanish feelings ran high due to the imposition of a garrison. This lead to a revolt which was only putdown after much loss of life. In the end, 17 of the rebels were hung and the town was forced to pay an amnesty of 15,000 ducati. In 1588, the Church of the Annunziata was given the status of an independent parish, further enhancing the town’s prosperity as a whole. By the latter part of the 16^th century the town boasted a population of about 7,000.
                Early in the 17^th century, the continued threat from the Turks led to new fortification being built. In 1642, upon the confirmation of Philip IV as king of Sicily, Acireale became a royal holding (hence its modern name meaning “Royal Aci”) and quickly grew into an important commercial center. Disaster struck again in 1693 when the 3^rd city was devastated by a great earthquake. The site was temporarily abandoned but its people soon returned to construct the city that stands today. Most of the oldest quarter of the city owes its Baroque buildings to this last reconstruction.
                The bishopric was established in 1844.
                Acireale suffered some damage during the Allied invasion of Sicily in 1943.
                Major earthquakes struck in 1693, 1818, 1879, 1889, 1894, 1905, 1907, 1908, 1911, 1914, 1967, 1975, 1980, 1986, and 1990.

Points of Interest: The violent history of Acireale has left few remains from ancient times. The most important ancient remains are those of a Roman bath and a temple, both dating from Republican times, located near Capo Molini. Remains of another Roman era building are located in the Casalotto district.
                What the city lacks in ancient monuments, it makes up for in the many beautiful 17^th-18^th century Sicilian-Baroque style religious and secular monumental buildings. Many of the principal monumental buildings surround the Piazza Duomo.
The Belvedere is a public garden laid out in 1848. From here are excellent views of M. Etna and the east coast of Sicily.
                The city also contains an important meteorological observatory, a Seminary, and a teachers' college. There is also an experimental station for citrus-fruit.
Monuments: The huge Palazzo Comunale, dating from 1659, includes a fine portal and balconies supported by carved corbels.
The 19^th century classical Palazzo Pennisi di Floristella, a work of Mariano Falcini, has a famous numismatic collection of ancient Greek and Sicilian coins (6^th- 4^th centuries BC).
                The exterior of the 17^th century Palazzo Musumeci is noted for its iron balconies and Rococo style windows.
                The neoclassical Thermae di Santa Vénera can be found in a park near the town. Used since Roman times, these hot sulfurous and radioactive springs have been developed as a health spa (the present one dating from 1873) for the treatment of neuritis, gout and respiratory ailments. The remains of a Roman era bath facility have been excavated and are thought to be the Tepidarium and the Calidarium.
In the vicinity of Acireale are sites that, since ancient times, have been identified with mythology including the Cave of Polyphemus and the Grotto of Galatea.
Museums: The Biblioteca and Pinacotera dell'Accademia Zelantea is a fine-arts museum founded in 1671. It represents one of Sicily's most important libraries and contains old theological, philosophical and scientific manuscripts and a collection of historical books. Also housed here are archaeological finds (including a 1^st century BC bust of Caesar) and a notable coin collection. There is a collection of paintings by 17^th and 18^th century Sicilian artists.
The Museum dei Pupi dell'Opra houses some interesting puppets and has a theater for performances.
Churches (& other religious sites): The roof and windows of the domed Romanesque-Gothic Cathedral of the Annunzi­ata e Venere (constructed between 1597 and 1618) suffered considerable damage during World War II but were later restored. The building is famous for its tiled spires and its Baroque portal. It has an early 20^th century neo-Gothic façade created by Giovanni Battista Basile. The doorway that pieces it, however, is a survival of the original 16^th century Baroque façade. It also incorporates a 17^th century marble portal between two campanili. The interior contains a nave and two aisles. The interior decoration includes frescoes by Pietro Paolo Vasta (1737) and Antonio Filocamo (1711). The left aisle has a holy-water stoup believed to be a 1525 work of Anto­nello Gagini. There is a meridian dating from 1843. The Capella di Santa Venera, in the right transept, contains a 1651 silver statue of the town's patron saint, S. Venere. There are a number of statues by Blandamonte (1668). On the floor of the transept is an interesting 19^th century sundial created by Wolfang Sertorius and F. Peters.
                The Baroque church or Basilica of S. Sebastiano possesses an elaborate early 17^th century Spanish Baroque-style balustrade façade decorated with statues and garlands (restored 1705). The balustrade, with its 10 statues of Old Testament figures, is a 1754 work by Giovanni Battista Marino. It has a nave and two aisles. The interior (dome, chapels, and transept) contains frescoes by Pietro Paolo Vasta (1697-1760), depicting the life of St. Sebastian. The roof and windows underwent repair after World War II.
                The church of the Suffragio also suffered damage during World War II.
                The 17^th century church of the Crociferi contains some pleasant frescoes.
                The 16^th century church or basilica of SS. Pietro e Paolo has a notable early- 18^th century façade of pillars, with statues of the patron saints.
                The church of the Filippini is a neoclassical structure.
                The church of S. Domenico has a notable Baroque façade.
Outside of the city is the Grotta del Presepe di S. Maria della Neve. Used both by brigands and fishermen in the 17^th century, the cave was consecrated to religious use. In 1752, a manger scene (presepe) consisting of 32 wax figures was created here.
                In the frazione of S. Maria la Scala is an interesting 17^th century Chiesa Madre.
Culture:
Festivals/Feasts/Events: Acireale celebrates a well-known 5-day Carnevale held in February and March. The festivities include parades of floats with marchers dressed in colorful costumes.
The city's famous traditional Sicilian puppet theater, at the Opera dei Pupi, gives performances in August and September.
During July dramatic performances are held in honor of the town's patron saint, Santa Venera. During the 19^th century, the English scholar, Augustus Hare, noted that the area around Acireale was devoted to the veneration of Santa Venera, a survival of the ancient worship of Venus.
Acireale's creche, displayed in a lava grotto during the Christmas season, dates from 1736.
There is an annual cattle fair held every July during which products derived from the local cattle and sheep industries are displayed.
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.