Naples
Naples (Italian: Napoli) is a major city located in southern Italy. During the Renaissance, the city was the capital of the Kingdom of Naples, the biggest Italian state before the Unity.
In the early 1500s, Cesare Borgia used the facilities in the Port of Naples to construct a Naval Cannon small enough to be placed on a gondola, as designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The designs and the prototype Cannon were destroyed by the Assassin Ezio Auditore da Firenze before they could be put the use.[1]
Database Entries
Napoli
More than 2,800-years-old, Napoli (or Naples) has a deep and rich history, its roots lying in a Greek settlement founded during the 8th century B.C.E. Control of the city changed hands numerous times throughout its existence and for a period bounced back and forth between the Goths and Romans. In one famous account, the Byzantine Romans retook the city by entering on its aqueduct and bypassing the heavily guarded gates.
In the Middle Ages, the Normans took control and stayed in power for 300 years while their leaders and nobles feuded over who the rightful ruler was. Following their reign, control of the prosperous merchant city shifted between a host of city states and countries including France and Spain.
French rule began in 1501 under Louis XII. French control, however, only lasted until 1505, when Ferdinand seized power in the name of Spain. During this time, Naples became one of Europe's biggest cities, second only to Paris, as well as a cultural powerhouse of the Renaissance boasting artists like Laurana, de Messina and Poliziano.[1]
Porto di Napoli
Located directly to the east of Castel Nuovo, the Porto di Napoli has always been a center of commerce for the city. The porto's history reaches as far back as the Greeks, who first settled Napoli in the 9th century B.C.E.
As the city grew, the harbour's role in European trade followed suit.[1]
Castel Dell'Ovo
A medieval castle located on the former island of Megaride, the Castel Dell'Ovo is named for a legendary Roman poet who was believed to be a great sorcerer. Legend tells us that he placed a magical egg in the structure's foundation to support it.
The original edifice was a fortified villa where the last Roman Emperor, Romulus Augustus, was exiled in 476. Some contend Romulus acquired a strong distaste for omelettes during his stay there.
I wonder why?[1]
Monte Vesuvio
Arguably one of the most fabled volcanoes in history, Vesuvio destroyed both Pompeii and Herculaneum when it erupted in 79 C.E., both of which were never rebuilt. Since that catastrophe, the sleeping monster has erupted three dozen times. It's still considered one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, as over 3 million people live within range of a major eruption. I hear property is cheap right now, maybe we should invest.[1]
References
Gallery
-
Chaos in Naples.
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||