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Misenum

40 47'11 "N 14 05'11" E / 40.78639, 14.08639

Miseno (Latin is the natural site of a former Roman naval port, now located in the town of Bacoli in the province of Naples.

The site of the ancient Roman port.

Etymology

According to mythology , the Latin name comes from the name of Misenum Misenus, a companion of Hector and trumpeter of Aeneas. According to The Aeneid of Virgil , it is assumed that Misenus drowned near this place after a competition with the trumpet of the sea god Triton.

Roman Military Port

It is instituted by Augustus to about 27. The Romans used it intelligently natural configuration of the port, which consists of a double bay (one internal and one external), tailoring the space to house more yards while the exterior was used as the port itself. The vessels of the fleet remained safe in the base in autumn and winter: navigation began on March 5 with the feast called Isidis Navigium in honor of the Egyptian goddess Isis , the patron saint of the sea, sailors and activity sea. Wearing Misenum welcomed the fleet Classis Misenensis , which had the function (with the Classis Ravenna, based in Ravenna) controller of the entire Mediterranean Sea.

Because of its beautiful natural scenery located near the naval base and its proximity to major Roman cities Puteoli and Naples , became the site of Misenum villas Roman luxury.

Pliny the Elder was the prefect in charge of the fleet Misenum in 79 AD. AD , when the eruption of Vesuvius which was visible from the bay. Seeing the beginning of the eruption, Pliny the Elder would get closer by scientific curiosity and to organize relief efforts. He was killed, stifled by the fallout of Vesuvius. The story of his death is given us by his nephew Pliny the Younger who was also present at Misenum to that time.

Misenum is described in the novel by Robert Harris , Pompeii, as the place where stood the Piscina Mirabilis , tank terminal in which the Augustan aqueduct (Aqua Augusta) was emptying.