Porcellio, Pietro: b. c1400, at Naples. Historian and poet. His surname is said to derive from the fact that he worked as a swineherd in his youth. Whatever his background, he was sufficiently educated and cultured to earn the position of secretary to Alfonso, king of Naples. He also won the admiration of the noted general Frederic, duke of Urbino. Leaving Naples, he was with the Venetian army in 1452, wrote a history of the Venetian Count Piccinino against Francesco Sforza.
Porphyry (orig. Melech): b. AD 233 in Tyre, Phoenicia; d. cAD 304 in Rome. Neo-Platonist philosopher. He was a follower of Plotinus and was a bitter enemy of Christianity. Having received a fine education from Origen at Caesarea and from Longinus at Athens, he came to Rome in AD 253 and became a follower of Plotinus. Much of what is known about the life and teachings of Plotinus is thanks to the writings of Porphyry. In AD 268, Porphyry moved to Lilybaeum in Sicily, remaining on the island for many years. His attachment to Sicily was so great that he was often referred to Siculus. During these years, he composed 15 books in which he condemned Christianity. These writings were considered so dangerous that the Christian Emperor Theodosius I later ordered them to be burned. Porphyry later returned to Rome where he died.
Porpora, Nicola: (b. August 17, 1685 or 1686, Naples. d. March 3, 1767 or 1768, Naples). Composer. He was sometimes called the “Patriarch of Harmony.” Having studied under Alessandro Scarlatti, he traveled through Germany and Austria. In 1717, he produced his first opera, Arianna e Tesio, in Vienna. From there he began a successful career throughout Europe. Porpora eventually served as the master of the Incurabili Conservatorio at Venice. He retired to his native Naples remaining there until his death.
portico: a covered entrance to a building, or a porch.
Postumius Albinus Paullulus, Sp.: (fl. 1st part of the 2nd century BC). Roman statesman. He was given the name Paullulus (little Paullus) because of his short stature. In 183 BC he served as praetor in Sicily, and was elected consul in 174 BC.
Potenza (PZ): A commune and provincial capital of the province of Potenza. Regional Capital of Basilicata.
Potenza, Province of: A province in the region of Basilicata.
Potenza-Muro Lucano-Marsico Nuovo, Archdiocese of: A Metropolitan archdiocese in the Ecclesiastical Region of Basilicata.
Conference Region: Basilicata
Area: 1,634 km²/ mi²
Total Population: 159,194.
Total Priests: 119 (Diocesan: 83; Religious: 36)
Permanent Deacons: 19.
Parishes: 59.
Pozzallo (RG): A commune in the province of Ragusa.
Pozzilli (IS): A commune in the province of Isernia. Population: 2,262 (2006e).
Pozzuoli (NA): A commune in the province of Napoli.
Praetutii: An ancient people who inhabited the area of Picenum south of the river Salinello (anc. Helvinus), near the Adriatic coast. It is believed that the name of Abruzzo is derived from their name.
Presepio: a manger scene, also known as a crib or crèche. These presepe have been a favorite Christmas tradition since medieval times. Among the most famous are those created by the craftsmen of Naples. These tend to be the most detailed and elaborate manger scenes and often include characters having nothing to do with the original nativity story. Presepe might also vary according to the particular region where the craftsmen live. For example, in the coastal towns of Sicily, many materials drawn from the sea (e.g. coral, alabaster, mother-of-pearl) are added to the scenes.
Preti, Cavalier Mattia (called Il Calabrese): b. 1613, at Taverna, Calabria; d. 1699, Malta. Painter. Having traveled through several cities in north and central Italy (Parma, Modena, Rome, Venice, and Bologna), he produced several religious works. The quality of his work earned him an invitation from the Grand Master to come to Malta to decorate the Cathedral. Preti created several frescoes on the life of St. John the Baptist. As part of his reward he was inducted as a knight into the order. Preti returned to Italy, residing for a time at Naples, producing a number of works. He developed a deep resentment towards Luca Giordano, whose success at Naples disgusted him so much that he returned to Malta, remaining there for the rest of his life.