Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
474 BC
The Cumans found Neapolis (New Town) on the site of Naples'
centro storico
(histor-
ic centre). The original Greek street plan can still be seen today.
326 BC
The Romans conquer Neapolis and the city is absorbed into the Roman Empire. Des-
pite this, locals cling to their Greek heritage and language.
AD 79
At 10am on 24 August, Mt Vesuvius erupts after centuries of slumber, startling the
Neapolitans and burying Pompeii, Herculaneum and other towns on the mountain's
slopes.
305
San Gennaro, patron saint of Naples, becomes a victim of Emperor Diocletian's anti-
Christian campaign. The martyr is arrested and beheaded at the Solfatara Crater in
Pozzuoli.
536
Byzantine chief general Belisarius and his fighters sneak into the city through its an-
cient aqueduct and lay siege. Conquered, Naples becomes a Byzantine duchy.
1139
Naples joins the Norman-ruled Kingdom of the Two Sicilies after the Norman con-
quest of Capua, Amalfi and Salerno. The city plays second fiddle to the kingdom's
capital, Palermo.
1265
Charles I of Anjou beats Naples' hated Swabian rulers, heralding the city as the capital
of the French Anjou dynasty. The port is expanded and Castel Nuovo is built in 1279.
1282
Resentful of the Angevins' demotion of Palermo as capital city, Sicilian rioters kill
2000 French people on Easter Monday in the former capital.
