Corsica

Corsica is an island located in the Ligurian Sea, situated between the Tyrrhenian Sea to the east and the Ligurian Sea to the west and north. It lies to the north of Sardinia, separated by a narrow strait. Historically, Corsica has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Phocaeans, Ligurians, Romans, Saracens, and Genoese. The island is known for its mountainous terrain, limited agricultural output, and production of wine, honey, and other natural resources. Corsica has a rich history of colonization, conflict, and cultural exchange, which has shaped its identity over the centuries.

Etymology and other names

Corsica derives its name from Corsus, a lord of the region. The Greeks referred to it as Kurnon, named after Cyrnus, the son of Hercules. Ovid called it Teraphne, as noted by Villanovanus. The island has also been associated with various names throughout history, reflecting its diverse cultural influences.

History

Corsica has a complex history marked by successive waves of colonization and conquest:

• Early Inhabitants: The island was initially inhabited by the Phocaeans, followed by the Ligurians.
• Roman Era: The Romans established two colonies, the Marian and the Alerian, and brought slaves from Corsica to Rome.
• Medieval Period: After the fall of Rome, Corsica was occupied by the Saracens, followed by the Genoese and Pisans.
• Genoese Rule: By the 17th century, Corsica was under the control of Genoa, which maintained governance through a resident governor.

Geography

Corsica is a mountainous island with a rugged coastline and limited fertile land. Its geography is characterized by the following features:

Provinces

• Cismontana: The eastern part of the island, closer to Italy.
• Ultramontana: The western part, extending toward Sardinia.

Cities and Towns

• Bastia: The capital and residence of the Genoese governor, located in the northeast.
• Nebbio (Nebbium): A ruined city near Rosoli, formerly an Episcopal see.
• Mariana: A Roman colony, now in ruins, located near the River Eolus.
• Aleria: A ruined city with an Episcopal see at Cervioni.
• Sagona: A demolished city on the western side of the island.
• Ajazzo (Ajaccio): A former capital city on the western coast, now an Episcopal see.
• Bonifacio: A port town on the southern coast.
• Calvi, Porto-Vecchio, St. Fiorenzo, Accia, Corse, St. Pietro, Sarteni: Other notable towns.

Rivers

• Golo: Flows from Lake Igno and waters the County of Mariana.
• Tavignano: Runs eastward.
• Liamone: Runs westward.
• Bavono, Tegiamo, Sagona, Gelone: Other significant rivers.

Lakes

• Crena and Ino: Two adjacent lakes near Mount Gradaccio.

Mountains

• Illia Orba, Cheparteno, Tenda, Gualango, Russus: Major mountain ranges.

Natural Resources

• Minerals: Iron mines near the River Bivincum, saltpits near St. Florence, and deposits of alum and crystal.
• Flora: Abundant boxwood and ewe trees.
• Fauna: Unique species such as the Mufmo (a ram-like creature), horses, hounds, and sheep.

Demographics

The inhabitants of Corsica are described as poor, unlettered, and prone to theft and robbery. The population is sparse, partly due to the island's harsh terrain and unhealthy climate. The people are known for their resilience and martial skills but are also characterized as revengeful and cruel.

Economy

Corsica's economy is primarily based on agriculture and natural resources:

• Agricultural Products: Dates, barley, saffron, figs, almonds, and chestnuts.
• Natural Resources: Iron, alum, honey, wax, and boxwood.
• Trade: Exports include wine, oil, and iron; imports include wool.
• Crafts: Production of linen cloth.

Culture

Corsican culture is shaped by its rugged environment and historical influences:

• Religion: The island has several Episcopal sees, including Mariana, Aleria, Sagona, and Ajazzo, under the metropolitan authority of Genoa and Pisa.
• Traditions: The Corsicans are known for their martial traditions and resistance to external rule.

Government

Corsica is governed by a Genoese governor, who resides in Bastia. The island is divided into four provinces, each corresponding to a cardinal direction:

1. Banda di Dentro (Eastern).
2. Banda di Fuora (Northern).
3. Banda di quà da Monti (Western).
4. Banda di là da Monti (Southern).

Military

The Corsicans are noted for their martial prowess and have historically been involved in piracy and raiding. The island's strategic location made it a target for various powers, including the Saracens and Genoese.

Transportation

Corsica has several harbors capable of accommodating large ships:

• St. Florence Bay: A major harbor.
• Bonifacio: A significant port town.
• Bastia: A key maritime hub with a commodious harbor.

Sources from old books

1635. Historia mundi: or Mercator's atlas. London. by Gerhard Mercator.

THE ILANDS CORSICA, AND SARDINIA· (Book Corsica) CORSICA was so called from Corsus, who was Lord of this Country. The Graecians called it Kurnon from Cyrnus the sonne of Hercules: Ovid names it Teraphne, as Villanovanus writeth. On the West and North it hath the Ligustick Sea: on the East the Tyrrhene Sea: on the South Sardinia. It is not above 120. Miles long, although Strabo maketh the length thereof to be 160. Miles, and Pliny 150. who also maketh the breadth thereof to be 60. Miles: and Strabo maketh it 70. Miles, which appeareth to bee true by measuring it with a paire of Compasses. The compasse of it according to Pliny is 320. Miles, but according to Maginus 325. which hee saith that hee found out by measuring it exactly. This Iland is hard to come unto, being enclosed on every side with inaccessible dangerous cliffes, and Hills. Within likewise it is for the most part Mountanous, and therefore it yeeldeth no great store of Wheate and Pulse; which grow but in some few places, where the Country opens it selfe, and is watered with Rivers, which make it fruitfull. That part which looketh toward Etruria is indifferent plaine, having a fruitfull Soyle, which beareth excellent sweet fruites. This Iland hath excellent wines, of chiefe note, which the Romanes much esteemed, they are called from the place Corsican Wines. Here is great store of Honey, Rosen, Oyle, and Figges. But Servius noteth in his 4. Booke of Geogr. that the Corsian Honey is bitter, which comes to passe by reason that there are great store of Ewe trees, from whence the Bees doe gather Honey. And Ovid beleeved that it was venemous. This Country onely doth produce the Precious stone Catochites, which Democritus the Abderite used when hee contended against the Magitian. Rhenus concerning Corsica saith thus.

Hanc solam perhibent Catochitem gignere terram:Corporibus lapis hic sen glutine tactus adhaeret.

Pliny, Lib. 37. Cap. 10. and Solinus Cap. 9. doe report the like. But Pliny doubteth of the truth thereof. Here is also Allom: and there are Iron Mines neere the River Bivincum, in the County Nebiensis. There are also Saltpits, commonly called della Roya, not far from the Haven of S. Florence: and neere Niolum there are deepe Valleys, which are alwaies cover'd with Snow, under which they say there is great store of Christall. There is also, as Pliny and Diodorus witnesse, great plenty of Boxe, and Eewe trees. It breedeth divers kindes of living Creatures, especially lusty Horses, and great Hounds, and also a kinde of beast called Mufmo, which Pliny saith, is a kinde of Ramme, they call it now Mosoli: which beast is not found in any part of Europe, except in this Iland, and Sardinia. It hath a hide and haire like a Hart, and Hornes like a Ramme, which are not long but doe bend backward about his eares, and are so hard, that if hee should fall downe 50. foote high among the rocks, and alight upon his head, it would not hurt him; it is as bigge as an Hart, and feedes onely on grasse, being very swift of foote, and the flesh of it is very pleasant in tast. Moreover this Iland is full of sheepe and Oxen: It was heretofore inhabited by the Phocensians, then by the Ligurians, and afterward by the Romanes, who brought thither two Colonies, the Marian, and the Alerian, which doe still continew. The Barbarians possessed the rest: afterward when the Romanes invaded them, they brought a great Company of Slaves from thence to Rome, of which they made no great commodity, for they were such bruitish people, that albeit they were bought for a small price, yet their Masters repented them of their bargaine. After the Romanes the Sarazens succeeded, and after them the Geonoa's: then the Pisanians, and now it belongeth to Genoa. It is devided now into two parts: they call the Easterne part the innermost side, and the Westerne side the outermost side. That part which is neerer to Italy is called Cismontana, or on this side the Mountaines, & that which runneth out towards Sardina is called Vltramontana or beyond the Mountaines. Pliny witnesseth that there are 33. Citties in it, which also Martianus Capella doth note out of him. But it apeareth by Strabo that they were rather Castles then Citties. There is now the Towne Bastia, in which the chiefe Governour liveth, and hath a Garrison to defend him. There is also the Citty Nebbium which Ptolemy calls Cersunum. It is watered with the Rivers Gelone, Tavignano, Sagona, Bavono, Tegiamo, and some others. The Mountaines also are clothed with woods which doe yeeld Rosen. The chiefe Mountaines are Illia Orba: also the Mountaine Cheparteno, the Mountaine Tenda, the Mountaine Gualango, and the Mountaine Russus. In the Sea betweene Corsica, Sardinia, there is Corrall gathered. This Iland hath two great Havens, which are able to receive great Ships, in S. Florences Bay. There is also S. Bonifaces Haven, which Ptolemy calls the Syracusan Haven. The Inhabitants of Corsica both were, and are accounted very poore men, that live by stealing and robbing: and altogether unletterd. There are these Bishops in Corsica, who are Suffragans to the Archbishop of Pisanum, namely, Aciensis, Alariensis, Sagonensis, and Civitanensis. and the Bishop Nubiensis, or Nebiensis, who is subject to the Archbishop Ianuensis.

1682. Cosmography and geography in two parts by Richard Blome.

The Isle of CORSICA, seated in the Ligurian Sea, opposite to Genoa, is about 100 miles in length, and 50 in breadth; the Soil, by reason of the Mountains, is not very fertil in Grain, but aboundeth in excellent Wines; it yieldeth likewise Oils, Figs, Raisons, Hony, Wax, Alom, Box-wood, and Iron-Mines; its Dogs and Horses are esteemed excellent. The chief places are, 1. Bastia, seated on the North-east part, hath a commodious Haven, and strong Garrison, dignified with the residence of the Genouese Governour, under whose command the Island is. 2. Mariana; 3. Galvi; 4. Porto-Vechio; 5. Adiazzo; and 6. Bonifacio. The People are for the most part poor, headstrong, churlish, and not addicted to Literature.

1695. Thesaurus geographicus a new body of geography by Abel Swall and Tim. Child.

The Island of CORSICA.

THE Island of CORSICA lies to the North of that of Sardinia, and is separated from it only by a Streight 1 League broad, being situated between the 40 and 42 deg. of Latit. as also between the 31 deg. 30 min. and the 32 deg. 40 min. of Longit. (that is to say) it is extended from North to South for the space of about 115 Leagues 55 from East to West; and 270 in Compass. The Air is not very healthful; and the Ground is, for the most part, stony, full of Woods, and untilled: Nevertheless, the Valleys bring forth Corn; and the Hills afford most delicious Grapes, and other Fruits, more-especially Figs, Almonds, and Chesnuts. Iron and Oil are transported from hence into Italy. The Forests are well stored with Pheasants and Stags, and the Pastures with Bushes, and all sorts of Cattel; but the Horses are extremely restive and unruly. Moreover, great quantities of excellent Fishes and Coral are taken on the Coasts near Cape Boasfacro. However, by reason of the unwholsomness of the Air, the Island is not well peopled. In the midst thereof stands Mount Gradaccio, together with the two adjacent Lakes of Crena and Ino. The Rivers of Liamone and Tavignano spring from the former; one of which runs toward the East, and the other toward the West. That of Golo ariseth out of the Lake of Igno, and waters the County of Mariana: These are the most considerable Rivers of this Island.

In the VIIIth. Century the Saracens took Possession of Corsica, and were expell'd from thence some time after. The Genoeses, and Inhabitants of Pisa, contended for it a long while; until at length the former found means to make themselves Masters thereof, and have possess'd it above 600 Years: They send thither a Governour every two Years, who is assisted by a Lieutenant, and divers Commissaries. The Natives of Corsica are good Soldiers, but very revengeful, cruel and rude; insomuch that 'tis believ'd that their Robberies have given occasion to the Name of Corsairs, which is usually appropriated to Pyrates and Rovers on the Sea. The whole Island is divided into Four Parts, or Provinces, according to the Four Cardinal Points of the World; viz. 1. Banda di Dentre, or the Eastern: 2. Banda di Fuora, or Northern: 3. Banda di quà da Monti, or the Western: and 4. Banda di là da Monti, or the Southern.

The Principal Cities and Towns are these: Viz.

• BASTIA, Cap.
• Nebbio, Bish.
• Mariana, ruin'd Bish.
• Alteria, ruin'd Bish.
• Sagona, ruin'd Bish.
• Ajazzo, Bish.
• Bonifacio, Port.
• St. Fiorenzo.
• ...Calvi.
• Accia, ruin'd.
• ...Corse.
• St. Pietro.
• ...Sarteni.

La BASTIA, Mantinum, in the Latit. of 41 deg. 30 min. and the Longit. of 32 deg. 30 min. is situated in the Northern part of the Island, on the Sea-shore, toward the West, at the distance of 7 Miles from St. Fiorenzo to the East; 22 from Cape Corso to the South; and 15 from Mariana. The Genoese Governour usually resides in this City, together with the Bishop of Mariana. It is defended by a Fortress, and hath a commodious Harbour. The Inhabitants are expert in Maritime Affairs, but very much addicted to Piracy.

Nebbio, Nebbium, is a ruin'd City near the Village of Rosoli, and was heretofore an Episcopal See under the Metropolitan of Genoua; but its Bishop now hath a Palace at St. Fiorenzo, from whence it is distant only half a mile toward Mariana, one from the Sea-shore to the South, and nine from Bastia to the South-west. It scarcely contains within its Precincts fifteen Houses, and seventy Persons.

Mariana was in time past a Colony of the Romans, so named from the Consul Marius, and a very fair City on the Banks of the River Eolus, which divided it into two Parts, whereof the Northern was termed Mariana, and the Southern Casinea: It was also adorn'd with a Colossus, and other magnificent Structures. However, it now lies altogether waste, and its Ruins are as yet call'd Le Couine di Mariana, the Cathedral Church only remaining, together with some other Buildings without Roofs, about 20 miles from Aleria to the North; and 15 from Bastia, where its Bishop hath resided ever since the Year 1575. The Episcopal See of Mariana is subject to the Metropolitan of Genoua, and is united to that of Accia.

Aleria is in like manner a ruin'd City, call'd Aleria destrutta, and scarcely comprehending ten Houses: but the Bishop thereof, who is suffragan to the Archbishop of Pisa, hath a Seat at Cervioni, a Town situated in the midst of the Island.

Sagona was seated in a Plain on the Western-side of the Isle, but is now altogether demolish'd, so that its Ruins scarcely appear, between Calvi to the North, and Ajazzo to the South, at the distance of 20 miles from both, and 5 from the mouth of the River Liamone. However, its Episcopal see remains under the Metropolitan of Pisa; and the Bishop hath a Place of Residence in a neighbouring Village, where is also erected a Cathedral Church.

Ajazzo, or Ajaccio, Ʋrsinium, or Adjacium, hath its Station on a small Bay of the same Name in the Western Coasts, about 42 miles from Bonifacio to the North-west, and 40 from Calvi to the South. It was heretofore the Capital City of the Island, and as yet retains the Title of an Episcopal See under the Metropolitan of Pisa.