IV.

History

The ancient Neapolis (Greek, “New City”) was originally a Greek settlement. Although conquered by the Romans in the 4th century bc, it long retained its Greek culture. The mild climate and the beauty of the site made the city a favorite resort of wealthy Romans. After the fall of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, the city declined. In the 6th century Neapolis was captured by forces of the Byzantine Empire, and in the 8th century it became an independent duchy. In 1139 the Normans conquered the duchy, and it was subsequently incorporated into the kingdom of the Two Sicilies. After the Sicilian Vespers of 1282 the city served as capital of the separate kingdom of Naples. In 1861 that kingdom became part of the modern state of Italy. The port of Naples was greatly improved in the late 19th century. The city, which had long been subject to epidemics of cholera, was provided with a pure supply of water in 1884 and a new sewage system.

During World War II Naples was bombed repeatedly by the Allies until its capture in 1943; it was heavily damaged also by the retreating Germans. The harbor and some sections were virtually demolished and many houses were rendered uninhabitable. Reconstruction was based on a plan designed to make Naples more sanitary and modern. Population (2005 estimate) 995,171.