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/ Geography |
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Map Credit: GraphicMaps.com |
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The Aeolian archipelago is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea north of
the Island of Sicily. It consists of seven sister islands: Stromboli,
Panarea, Lipari, Vulcano, Salina, Filicudi, and Alicudi. It is accessible
today by hydrofoil from the ports of Milazzo and Messina, Sicily.
The Aeolian Islands first appeared millions of years ago when
movement between tectonic plates on the ocean floor pushed mountains
of molten lava out of the sea. Over thousands of years, volcanic
activity has changed the face of the islands, and today volcanoes
are still active on the islands of Stromboli and Vulcano.
Cultural change has been equally dramatic. Valued for their strategic
geography along an ancient trading route, the Aeolian Islands were
conquered and controlled by many different peoples over time, including
the Sicilians, Greeks, Phoenicians, Etruscans, Carthaginians, Romans,
Goths, and Saracens. Each left its legacy buried under layers of
lava and rock.
Homer mythologized the Aeolian Islands in The
Odyssey. According
to the ancient tale, Aeolus, King of the Winds, hosted Odysseus
and his crew when, tired and hungry, they landed on the shores
of Lipiri. Before they left the island, Aeolus bagged the violent
winds so that Odysseus could sail home to Ithaca under the power
of pleasant breezes.
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The Immigrant references the Island of
Filicudi, the place from which the Sanguenanos emigrated at the turn
of the century. The Sanguenano family lived in the town of Picorini
Alto, which is located on the southern coast of the island. |
Map Credit: Edizioni
Turistiche Ippolito, Messina |
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This photo shows the town of Picorini
Mare in the foreground. The view is from the hills of the Stimpagnato
region looking east. |
Photo Credit: Riccardo
Lombardo |
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This photo shows some homes and a
church in the town of Picorini Alto. Native Filicudati carved terraces
into the side of the mountain and built homes upon them. Historically,
the elevation provided safety from marauders. |
Photo
Credit: Riccardo Lombardo |
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