Island of Elba
The island of Elba was called “Aethalia” by the Ancient Greeks who started the exploitation of its precious metals. In Roman times it was known as “Ilva”. The first inhabitants were the “Ilvates”, a population from Liguria who established the first settlements on this island.
During Medieval times, Elba, which was continuously besieged by the Saracen pirates, was controlled by Pisa, the powerful Maritime Republic, which left behind numerous traces of its domination, above all in the many defensive buildings and look-out posts. Following the defeat of the Pisan fleet in the Battle of Meloria in August 06, 1284, the island briefly came under the control of Genoa.
At the end of the XIV century, Elba made up part of the state of Piombino, set up by the Appiani family (the princess of Pisa and Piombino). Later on the island was subjected to attempts amongst the powers of Europe (Spanish, French, English) to control it, and it was also subjected to raids by the Saracen pirates. Finally under the control of the Medici family, its defense structure against the danger which the pirates presented was notably increased.
In more recent times, Elba enjoyed its greatest notoriety when Napoleon stayed in exile here from May 03, 1814 to February 26, 1815. It later made up part of the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and then it became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1860 with the restoration of the Congress of Vienna.
Part of the PISANI family of Venezuela has its origins from this beautiful island. The following are a compilation of pictures taken in the island of Elba during the summer of 2003.
Bibliografy:
The Island of Elba. By Guilano Valdes & Riccardo Mazzanti. LA FOTOMETALGRAFICA EMILIANA SPA. San Lazzaro di Saverna, Bologna – Italia.
