Acciaioli: See Acciaiuoli.
Acciaiuoli (or Acciajuoli, Acciaioli): A notable family of Florentine origins. Their name, deriving from acciao (=steel), reflects their roots as 12th century steel processors. As such, and later as bankers, they became exceptionally wealthy. During the 14th and 15th centuries, one branch of the family became deeply involved in the political affairs of central Greece, becoming virtual rulers of Elis, Messenia, and Cephalonia. Another branch of the family became important financial backers to the Angevin rulers of Naples. Among the family’s most notable members was Niccolo Acciaiuoli who, in 1358, was granted control of Corinth by King Robert the Wise of Naples. Among his endeavors was the refortification of the Isthmus of Corinth. Later members of the family went on to gain control over Athens and Thebes, maintaining themselves there until the Turkish invasion in the 15th century. This “Greek” branch intermarried with such families as the Palaiologi and the Tocco.
Acciaiuoli, Angelo: (b. Apr. 15, 1340, Florence. d. May 31, 1408). Ecclesiastic. In 1375, Pope Gregory XI appointed him Bishop of Rapolla, a diocese in the Kingdom of Naples. In 1383, he was chosen to become Archbishop of Florence. Soon after (1385) Pope Urban VI appointed him to the College of Cardinals. When that pope died a conclave was called at which Acciaiuoli received half of the votes cast. When no decision could be resolved, he directed his followers to support the Neapolitan Piero Tomacelli who then became Pope Boniface IX. Boniface rewarded him by making him Cardinal-Bishop of Ostia. Acciaiuoli later became Governor of Naples, serving as guardian to the young King Ladislaus. After Ladislaus reached his majority, Acciaiuoli continued to be a strong supporter of his claim to the throne of Hungary. He accompanied Ladislaus when he went to Budapest to secure this claim.
Acciaiuoli (or Acciajuoli), Niccolo: (see full page) Acciano (AQ): A commune of Abruzzo, in the province of L’Aquila. (see full page)
Acciano, Giulio: (b. 1651, Bagnoli Irpino. d. 1681, Naples). Poet. He produced a series of burlesque and satirical poems, and was a member of the Accademia degli Investiganti (Neapolitan Academy of Investigation).
Acciaroli (SA): A frazione (alt. 10 m) in the commune of Pollica (SA), located 5.8 km SW of that center, on the coast of the Cilento district in the S. part of the province of Salerno. Situated on highway No. 267, it sits on a promontory overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea. There is a small port facility. Possessing a rugged coastline and great expanse of sandy beaches, Acciaroli has become a center for tourism and water sports. Early in the 20th century, Acciaroli achieved a certain status as being a favorite location of Earnest Hemingway.
Accolti, Michele (a.k.a. Michael): (b. 1807, Conversano [BA]. d. 1878, San Francisco, California). Jesuit missionary. In 1843 he joined the mission sent to the American Indians, assisting Fr. Giovanni de Nobili in the newly established missions of California in 1849. In 1850, he served as Superior of the Jesuit Rocky Mountain Mission in Oregon. Returning for a time to Italy in 1853, he visited Rome. Again in California, he served as professor and prefect of studies at the mission of Santa Clara. In 1868, Accolti served his last post as preacher in New York and San Francisco.
Acconia (CZ): A small frazione in the commune of Curinga (CZ), located 4.5 km WNW of the communal center. It is situated to the left of the torrent Turrina, on the E edge of the Piana di Angitola.
Accordino, Giuseppe: (b. 1777, Patti [ME]; d. 1830). Philosopher.
Accorsi, Mariangelo: See Accorso, Mariangelo.
Accorso (Accorsi), Mariangelo: (b. Apulia; fl. 1st half of the 16th century). Classical scholar, linguist and critic. He was a favorite of Emperor Charles V and resided at the imperial court for over 30 years. He spent much of his time organizing, editing and translating the ancient manuscripts. Among the ancient writers whose works helped to preserve were Ausonius, Ovid, Cassiodorus, Claudian, and Ammianus Marcellinus. He also wrote a number of original works including a fable, poems, and a satire.