NAPLES
On the most beautiful site in Europe stands Naples, the Neapolis of the Athenian colonists. After the Romans conquered it, it still retained Greek culture and institutions. It became the favorite summer resort of the Romans, and the delight of the poets Horace, Ovid, and Virgil. It was when living in Naples that Virgil wrote his famous verses on agriculture, the “Georgics.” After many vicissitudes Roger de Hauteville formed the kingdom of Naples in 1130.
Medieval Naples is traceable in its walls and great gates. The Porta Capuana is one of the best preserved.
NAPLES
The market street in the old quarter.
After the young Conradin (kon´-rah-deen), the last of the Norman dynasty in Naples, was executed, the country was ruled by the house of Anjou (English, an´-jo; French, ong-zho´), then by the French (Louis XII), and then by Ferdinand of Spain. Don Carlos improved the city and surrounding country. In 1806 the city was invaded by Napoleon, who established his government there for a short time. The Bourbon (boor-bong´) rule came to an end in 1860, when Frances II was dethroned by Garibaldi. From the time it was founded till the present day poor Naples has been so torn to pieces by the many nations contesting for it that there is but little left of its ancient beauty or grandeur, and it now depends upon its wonderful situation, which, with the beautiful places about it, holds the visitor enchanted.