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Statue of Archimedes of Syracuse, Ortigia, Sicily. Credit: Deborah Cater

A short tale about Archimedes of Syracuse

October 8, 2024October 8, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Archimedes of Syracuse: part genius, part slightly dotty scientist, and 100% the chap you’d want on your side during a siege. Born around 287 BC, he spent his life in Syracuse, tinkering with everything from geometry to war machines.

Emanuele Filiberto, Duke of Savoy (1528-1580)

On this day in history: Emanuele Filiberto, Duke of Savoy dies

August 30, 2024August 30, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Emanuele Filiberto, Duke of Savoy, died on 30th August 1580 in Turin. He was a significant figure in European history, credited with revitalising the Duchy of Savoy after years of decline. Known as Testa di Ferro (Iron Head) due to his resolute determination, he played a pivotal role in restoring Savoy’s sovereignty and modernising its […]

The Secret Italian Catacombs

February 21, 2024February 21, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Artwork in te Catacombs of Saint Priscilla
Image courtesy of turismo roma

The discovery of the entrance to a mass grave in Friuli after World War II. Image: Wikipedia

Mattarella says ‘wall of silence’ over Foibe massacres is unforgiveable

February 10, 2024February 10, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

President Sergio Mattarella on Friday denounced the “wall of silence and oblivion” that formed around the tragedy of the Foibe. On 10th February, Italy remembers the massacre of thousands of Italians by Tito’s partisans in ethnic cleansing at the end of World War II.

Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy dies aged 86

February 4, 2024February 4, 2024Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

Vittorio Emanuele of Savoy, the son of Italy’s last king, Umberto II, passed away on Saturday morning at the age of 86. The House of Savoy announced his peaceful death in Geneva at 7:05 a.m. on 3rd February 2024, surrounded by his family.

Bronze coins found off the coast of Sardinia. Image provided by the Ministry of Culture

30,000 Bronze coins found off Sardinia coast

November 6, 2023November 6, 2023Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

A diver’s chance discovery of a metallic object near Sardinia’s coast has led to the remarkable find of tens of thousands of ancient bronze coins.

Treaty of Campo Formio - drawing of the signing of the treaty

On this day in history: Treaty of Campo Formio signed

October 16, 2023October 16, 2023Deborah CaterLeave a Comment

The Treaty of Campo Formio, signed on October 17, 1797, in a small Italian town of the same name, was a pivotal event in European history. Negotiated between France and Austria, the treaty marked a significant turning point in the tumultuous period of the French Revolutionary Wars, redrawing the continent’s map. Whilst many date the […]