Leonardo's Machines

[Rosa Giovanno]

Monte Circeo
Nera
Valnerina
Monte Vesuvio
Porto Di Napoli
Napoli
Castel Dell'ovo
Lago Di Nemi
Colli Albani

[Rosa Giovanno]

Monte Circeo

Otherwise known as Cape Circeo, Monte Circeo now exists as a promontory marking the southwestern limit of the Pontine Marshes about 100 kilometres southwest of Rome. On the east ridge of the promontory, geologists found remains of ancient fortifications. Who they belonged to is unclear but it's certainly a picturesque location to bunker down.

[Rosa Giovanno]

Nera

A tributary of the Tevere (Tiber), this 116 kilometre river flows almost entirely in Umbria, Italy. I might also add it has some spectacular fly fishing which I'll likely be taking advantage of if we survive this ordeal.

You are not invited.

[Rosa Giovanno]

Valnerina

A valley formed by the Italian Nera in the mountains of Umbria, the Valnerina was known for its winding roads and steep narrow passess. It was a particularly challenging landscape to navigate.

[Rosa Giovanno]

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.

[Rosa Giovanno]

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 roll in European trade followed suit.

[Rosa Giovanno]

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 nad Poliziano.

[Rosa Giovanno]

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?

[Rosa Giovanno]

Lago di Nemi

Roughly 30 kilometres south of Rome, this small volcanic lake is named for the largest town in its vicinity, Nemi. It is most renowned for its massive sunken Roman ships, the larger of which are thought to have been elaborate floating palaces of the 1st century. Some of the technology found on these ships was believed to have been invented only recently, including complex heating systems and plumbing for baths.

[Rosa Giovanno]

Colli Albani

These volcanic hills stand 20 kilometres southeast of Rome. The dominate peak, Monte Cavo, has two small calderas, both containing lakes, one of which is called Lago di Nemi. The summit was often the site for celebrations by Roman generals after victories during the era when it was illegal for them to do so in Rome.