Naples is a very ancient city and has always had an important role in the Mediterranean. There Neapolitan city it preserves a very long history, highlighted by archaeological finds and immaterial culture. Even today it is one of the main and liveliest cities in Southern Italy. But why is Naples called that? Here is a brief history of his name and more.
The origins of the name of Naples
The history of the name of Naples is lost between myths and real events. It was founded by Cumanswho settled here at the end of 8th century BC. In this first phase of the city’s existence, its name was Parthenope, which is why the city is still called “Neapolitan” and so are its inhabitants.
According to the best-known legend, the name derives from Partenope, one of the sirens in Homer’s Odyssey, who threw herself into the sea and drowned after failing to seduce Ulysses with her song. Her body, carried by the waves, would have reached the island of Megaride, where today stands the Castel dell’Ovogiving rise to the first settlement in the area.
The city was later refounded with the name Neapolis, which in Greek means “new city”. This name reflected the merging of other surrounding territories and, therefore the arrival of new settlers. The name was also maintained in Roman times, although it remained strongly Greek in culture. It is therefore from this history that the current “Naples” descends.
Brief history of the city
Founded by the Greeks in the first millennium BC and expanded over the years, Naples was conquered by the Romans in 326 BC Much appreciated as a “holiday” place for the ancients, it was granted the status of a colony under the emperor Marcus Aurelius. During the Middle Ages, under the dominion of the Byzantines, the Normans and then the SwabiansNaples consolidated its strategic position in the Mediterranean.
The era of the Kingdom of Naples, of which it was the capital from 1282, began with the Angevins and continued with the Aragonese, until the advent of the Bourbons who transformed the city in one of the most flourishing European capitals of the 18th century. After a brief republican period and another French one, in 1815 Naples returned to the hands of the Bourbons, before passing to the Kingdom of Italy in 1860.
Living in Naples: what you need to know
Living in Naples means immersing yourself in a unique environment, where history, culture and modernity come together in a fascinating combination. The city offers a high quality of life thanks to its mild climatethe beauty of its landscapes, the richness of its artistic and cultural heritage and its study opportunities.
The presence of historic cafes, theaters and art galleries, without considering universities and research centers, contributes to creating a stimulating environment for students and professionals. Despite the challenges related to urban management and liveability, the advantages of living in Naples are numerous and interesting.
Which famous people live in Naples?
Naples is not only a city rich in history and culture, but it is also the current home of many well-known personalities in the entertainment and music scene. Actors, musicians, writers and sportsmen, many of whom originate from the city, live in the different neighborhoods that the capital has to offer.
Talking about the world of show, for example, in Naples there is the house of the actress Serena Autieri, a well-known face of cinema and television. Stefano de Martino, a dancer and television presenter, protagonist of many successful broadcasts, also lives in the city. In the end, in the musical fieldGigi D’Alessio also lives here, icon of the new Neapolitan song, but also television host, record producer and actor.
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