Gaeta
According to the Greek historian Strabone, the word Gaeta derives from the Doric word "Kaiatas" (hollow) used by Laconian sailors to indicate its port. According to Virgil's fascinating legend (Aeneid VII,2) the word Gaeta derives from Caieta, name of the wet-nurse of Aenea, whom is said to have been buried in our beaches.
Poetry and myth are suitable ot the remote origin of such a prestigious town. Since the times of the ancient Romans the favorable position and mild climate have made Gaeta a famous holiday resort. The medieval urban settlement was built upon the foundations laid during the Roman period. With the fall of the Western Roman Empire, and after having been under the rule of the Byzantine dominion, Gaeta became an independent Duchy which was governed by the native dignataries - who were later known as dukes.
These Dukes had full-governing power but no legislative and public-welfare assistance which were carried out by the local authorities.
The "Codex Caietanus" shows how prosperous the town of Gaeta became because of the trade that was carried on with the Orient. The final defeat of the Saracens was the determining factor which made Gaeta famous as a fortress.
Contended for by both the Papacy and the Swabians, Gaeta became one of the strongest fortresses under Charles d'Anjou and Alfonso of Aragon. In 1387 Gaeta became the temporary capital of Kind Ladislao Durazzo. The many attacks that Gaeta underwent are memorable. The town of Gaeta had to open its doors to Charles VII, Frederick III of Aragon, and later to the French and the Spanish. After having been fortified under Charles V, Gaeta benefited from a long period of peace.
In 1571 Marcantonio Colonna's fleet sailed out of Gaeta in order to fight the Turkish armada in the waters of Lepanto. Gaeta, however, underwent other attacks.
In 1707 Gaeta underwent an attack by the Austrians under the Viceroy of Naples which lasted three months and an attack by the Charles of Bourbon which lasted four months (1734).
Gaeta underwent further attacks in 1806 and 1815 by the French and the Bourbons. In 1848 the Bourbons welcomed PIO IX and the Grand Duke of Tuscany who seeked refuge in Gaeta.
The town was the last stronghold of the Bourbons after the defeat of Francis II's army near the Volturno river. Besieged by the troops of General Cialdini and by the fleet of admiral Persano, Gaeta surrendered on February 13, 1861.
When walking through the city, one relives the fascinating history and myths of Gaeta. At the farthest eastern point of Gaeta, one finds the medieval area with its winding, intricate lanes, cloisters, roof gardens and many works of art: the Cathedral Bell tower (XII Cent.), the churches of St. Lucia (IX-XII Cent.), St. Domenico (XV Cent.), St. Giovanni a Mare (XII Cent.), the Cathedral, the Diocesan museum, the Picture Gallery of the Historical Cultural Center and the Annunziata Church (1321) which is located behind the ancient walls. The ancient Castle (XIII-XVI Cent.) reigns over the town.
Also:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaeta
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaeta#History
http://fvankeur.myweb.uga.edu/classical/late_hellen/late_hellen.html
