‘Ndrangheta: A criminal organization which arose in 19th century Calabria and still infests the region today. Best noted for their numerous kidnappings, the organization also is involved in drug trafficking, political bribery, fraud, and murder. The name derives from the Greek andragathía, a word meaning “heroism” and “virtue”, traits totally lacking among the organization’s members. Although the ‘Ndrangheta is often associated with other criminal groups like the Sicilian Mafia and the Camorra of Naples, it operates independently. Unlike the mafia, the 50 to 200 “families” of the ‘Ndrangheta are linked by actual blood relationships.
Neapolis: (=”new city”). Ancient name for the city of Naples/Napoli.
Neapolis: A city of ancient Apulia.
Neapolitan Fever: One of the many names given to Bucellosis. A form of typhus once common in Campania, by the early 20th century, it had practically disappeared. It is also known under the names Bang’s disease, Cyprus fever, Gibraltar fever, Malta fever, Bruce’s septicaemia, and Mediterranean fever.
Neglia, Francesco Paolo: b. May 22, 1874, Enna. d. July 31, 1932, Germany. Composer.
Nemoli (PZ): A commune in the province of Potenza.
Nenna, Pomponio: b. c1550, Bari. d. bef. Oct. 22, 1613, Rome. Renaissance Composer. He was especially noted for his madrigals, originally collected into eight books (books 2 and 3 are now lost), as well as some sacred music. He was a teacher of the nobleman composer Gesualdo, the Prince of Venosa, from 1594 to 1599.
Nereto (TE): A commune in the province of Teramo.
Neri, Nicola: (b. Oct. 28, 1761, Acquaviva Collecroce [CB]. d. 1799). Statesman, doctor, writer, philosopher. During the period of short-lived Parthenopean Republic, he served as Commissioner of Molise. When the Bourbons returned to power, he was executed. A descendant of the Croatian refugees who settled at Acquaviva Collecroce in the mid-16th century, he helped to preserve the local language and culture there.
Nethuns: Etruscan god of water. He was the counterpart of the god Poseidon and was adopted by the Romans as Neptune. Like the latter, his symbols were the trident, the anchor, the dolphin and the sea horse.
Nicoluccio Calabrese: (b. Calabria; fl. early 16th century). A pupil of the painter Lorenzo Costa, he attempted to kill his master with a knife after the latter reputedly included a caricature of him in a painting.
Nicosia (EN): A commune in the province of Enna. Population: 14,756 (2006e).
Nicotera (VV): A commune in the province of Vibo Valentia.
Nicotera, Marcoantonio: (fl. c1590-1600). Painter. A member of the School of Naples, he was a pupil of P. Crisnolo. One of his notable works is a painting in church of S. Nicola alla Dogana in Naples depicting The Virgin and Child, St. Jerome, and St. Blaise.
Niscemi (CL): A commune in the province of Caltanissetta. Population: 26,737 (2006e).
Nisida: a small (diameter: 0.5km) islet (alt. 105 m) of the Flegrean archipelago.
Nissoria (EN): A commune in the province of Enna. Population: 2,941 (2006e).
Nizza di Sicilia (ME): A commune in the province of Messina.
Nobile (pl. nobili): A member of the Italian social class corresponding to the English gentry. The designation could be carried by both men and women. Although a nobile might not carry any other higher title, it was likely that he or she possesses a coat of arms and substantial property.
Nocara (CS): A commune in the province of Cosenza. Population: 523 (2006e).
Nocciano (PE): A commune in the province of Pescara.
Nocera Inferiore (SA): A commune in the province of Salerno.
Nocera Superiore (SA): A commune in the province of Salerno .
Nocera Tirinese (CZ): A commune in the province of Catanzaro. Population: 4,705 (2006e).
Noci (BA): A commune in the province of Bari: Population: 19,468 (2006e).
Nociglia (LE): A commune in the province of Lecce. Population: 2,593 (2006e).
Nodus: a military order of 300 knights initiated by Louis of Taranto, king of Sicily, in c1352. The group was so-named because each knight worn on his breast a golden knot studded with gems, meant as a symbol of common friendship.