Amalfi

Amalfi, a seaport on the Gulf of Salerno, on the W. coast of Southern Italy, is nearly encircled by mountains, and lies at the mouth of a deep ravine, 24 miles SE. of Naples. It is the seat of an ancient archbishopric, and, besides the ancient Romanesque cathedral, possesses several fine churches and a Capuchin convent. In 1881 the population had sunk to 4792, who are chiefly engaged in the coasting trade, fisheries, and the manufacture of paper, soap, and macaroni. The history of Amalfi in the middle ages is both important and interesting. It is said to have been founded under Constantine the Great, and was long a powerful and independent republic, having at one time a population of 50,000, besides a dependent territory ten times as large; it was governed by its own 'doges,' and was the centre of eastern trade; but about the close of the 11th century, fell under the power of the Normans. It was plundered by the Pisans in 1135, and its commercial decay was completed by a terrible storm in 1343, which destroyed its quays. The maritime laws of Amalfi (Tabula Amalphitana) once prevailed throughout Italy, and formed an important contribution to the Consolato del Mare (see MERCANTILE LAW). The unique manuscript of the Pandects (q.v.) was discovered at Amalfi; and Flavio Gioja, the inventor of the compass, and Masaniello, were born there.