Naples is a very ancient city. Greeks founded it on the place of their former settlement. The name which they gave to the town on this place was “New Town” (Neapolis). It was prosperous Greek city for long period of time. Not far from Neapolis there was a great Greek city Siracusa which influenced the development of culture in Naples.
When the Romans came to this site they liked this town in the gulf and made a lot of improvements like bathes and aqueducts. Many temples and palaces were erected in Naples during Roman rule. Naples was very popular. Nobel Romans loved the place and chose it for construction of their villas, so Naples became a splendid resort for Roman rich families.
One of the most famous facts in history of this place is the terrible eruption of Vesuvius which happened in 79 CE and destroyed Pompeii and Herculaneum located not far from Naples. Vesuvius has always been a danger for inhabitants, but in spite of that people have always continued to live in its slopes, because the volcanic soil is very fertile and it's possible to gather rich harvest. Naples is recognized by the Vesuvius on the background and the beautiful gulf on the other side.
Naples was the center of development of the Christianity. Early Christians hid from the roman soldiers at the catacombs under the city. They constructed the first Christian churches and the baptistery in honor of Saint Januarius the Christian patron of the city. Today tourists can visit the catacombs and see the traces of the Roman epoch.
The Byzantines, the Lombards, the Normans were the rules in Naples during the early medieval period. Naples was the independent Duchy. Massive castles which were constructed to protect from the enemies remind the visitors about this time of wars and troubles.
The location of Naples was strategically very convenient, so many conquerors tried to capture and hold this city. In the 13th century a new dynasty approved its power in Naples. Charles of Anju united the city with Sicily. Castello Nuovo was constructed specially for him and became his residence. The Aragon dynasty competed with them for Naples, and finally in the 15th century Alfonso the Aragon won the battle for Naples. The triumphal arch in Naples reminds about this victory. Sicily and Naples were tightly connected with each other.
After Aragones dynasty Charles the 8th of France conquered Naples but the rule of France didn't last for long time. In 1501 the authority of Spain was established. The city continued to develop and flourish. The streets were paved; a lot of new palaces were constructed. Naples was home for great artists, scientists and writers during the period of Renaissance.
In the 17th-18th centuries Bourbon dynasty held the position of the city's rulers. During the war with Napoleon the Bourbon king had to leave the city and went to exile. Josef Bonaparte who was a brother of Napoleon became the king. Bourbon restored their power in Naples after the fall of Napoleon.
Finally, in 1861 the united kingdom of Italy was created and Naples became its part. Due to its outstanding location and good climate Naples for the whole long history has always been the favorite place for people to live.
