Steve's Genealogy Blog

Saint Peter’s Square in the State of the Vatican City

Posted on October 1, 2011 by Steve

The State of the Vatican City is a city state with an area of 100 acres. It was created in 1929 by the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italy. Saint Peter’s Square and the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican are popular destinations for tourists and pilgrims alike. The dominant structure seen from Saint Peter’s Square is the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter. This basilica is not, in fact, the ecumenical mother church of the Roman Catholic Church. That honor goes to the Basilica of Saint John Lateran in Rome which is the seat of the bishop of Rome – the Pope.

In front of the Papal Basilica of Saint Peter two sculptures stand guard: Saint Peter, sculpted by Giuseppe de Fabris, and Saint Paul sculpted by Adamo Tadolini. Near the center of Saint Peter’s Square towers an obelisk originally built by the Romans in Alexandria in about 30-28 BC and dedicated to Augustus. It was moved to Rome by Caligula in 37 AD and was moved again to its present location by Pope Sixtus V in 1586 AD. The obelisk was thought to have been topped at one time with a bronze globe containing the ashes of Caesar, Augustus, and Tiberius, but is now surmounted by a cross and by the mountains and the star of Pope Sixtus V.

A total of 13 obelisks that were either brought from Egypt or were constructed in Rome still exist in Rome. Most are carved with hieroglyphics but the Obelisk of Augustus in Saint Peter’s Square does not.

The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter

SOURCE: The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter (State of the Vatican City); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 10 August 2011.

Saint Peter

SOURCE: Saint Peter (State of the Vatican City); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 10 August 2011.

Saint Paul

SOURCE: Saint Paul (State of the Vatican City); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 10 August 2011.

Obelisk of Augustus in Saint Peter’s Square

SOURCE: Obelisk of Augustus in Saint Peter’s Square (State of the Vatican City); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 10 August 2011.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Mediterranean Vacation, Vatican City | 2 Comments

Place Foch and Palais Fesch in Ajaccio, Corsica, France

Posted on September 30, 2011 by Steve

In Place Foch in Ajaccio, Corsica, France stands a statue of Napoleon dressed as first consul in a toga with a dove on his head. Ajaccio has been described as one large monument to Napoleon with a few houses around it and, indeed, it might seem so to a visitor on a guided tour. Even the Palais Fesch, built at the bequest of Cardinal Fesch (uncle of Napoleon Bonaparte) includes a Napoleonic collection. Still, in the courtyard of Palais Fesch, stands a statue of the Cardinal himself, not Napoleon. The Palais Fesch structure has served in the past as a military barracks, an institute of study for boys, a soup kitchen (during World War II), and a museum. The present use of the building as a museum specializing in Italian painting dates from the late 1980s.

Statue of Napoleon at Place Foch

SOURCE: Statue of Napoleon at Place Foch (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Detail of Statue of Napoleon at Place Foch

SOURCE: Detail of Statue of Napoleon at Place Foch (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Statue of Cardinal Fesch at Palais Fesch

SOURCE: Statue of Cardinal Fesch at Palais Fesch (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Sign at Palais Fesch

SOURCE: Sign at Palais Fesch (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Ajaccio, Corsica, France, Mediterranean Vacation | Comments Off

The Birthplace of Napoleon and the Citadel in Ajaccio, Corsica, France

Posted on September 29, 2011 by Steve

Napoleon Bonaparte was born in a four story house not far from the citadel in Ajaccio, Corsica, France. The Citadel in Ajaccio is located a couple of blocks from this house. Napoleon certainly would have been familiar with the Citadel which was built in the 16th century and is still used for naval purposes. According to my guide, a few animals are the only permanent residents of the citadel today.

Doorway at Napoleon’s Birthplace

SOURCE: Doorway at Napoleon’s Birthplace (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Napoleon’s Birthplace

SOURCE: Napoleon’s Birthplace (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

The Citadel in Ajaccio

SOURCE: The Citadel in Ajaccio (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Wall of the Citadel in Ajaccio

SOURCE: Wall of the Citadel in Ajaccio (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Resident of the Ajaccio Citadel

SOURCE: Resident of the Ajaccio Citadel (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Ajaccio, Corsica, France, Mediterranean Vacation | Comments Off

The Cathedral of the Assumption in Ajaccio, Corsica, France

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Steve

The Cathedral of the Assumption in Ajaccio, Corsica, France is the place where Napoleon Bonaparte was baptized on 21 July 1771. The main altar is from the Dei Suffraganti church in Lucca and was given to the cathedral by Napoleon’s sister, Elisa Bacciochi, princess of Lucca and Piombino. Prominent in the back of the cathedral are the pipes of the organ and, on one side of the cathedral is the Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy.

Exterior of the Cathedral of the Assumption

SOURCE: Exterior of the Cathedral of the Assumption (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Main Altar of the Cathedral of the Assumption

SOURCE: Main Altar of the Cathedral of the Assumption (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Organ Pipes in the Cathedral of the Assumption

SOURCE: Organ Pipes in the Cathedral of the Assumption (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy

SOURCE: Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Ajaccio, Corsica, France, Mediterranean Vacation | Comments Off

Ajaccio Cemetery and the Coast of Corsica

Posted on September 27, 2011 by Steve

The cemetery in Ajaccio, Corsica is largely occupied by above-ground tombs. The tradition of entombing the dead above ground rather than below has its roots in the Genovese origins of Corsica. Traveling a bit further to the west along the coast of Corsica, there is a relatively large area with new plantings of native species. Each young seedling is surrounded by blue netting, creating a kind of blue forest.

Looking out along the coast, one can see the Cape of Parata where stands a 16th century Genovese tower (La Parata) and, a little offshore, one can see the Sanguinaire Islands where, on the largest of which, a lighthouse guards the coast. The first time I stepped into the Mediterranean was on the island of Ibiza. Here, on Corsica, I got my feet wet in the Mediterranean, but quite by accident. While waiting to be photographed on the shore, a large wave snuck up behind me and soaked me up to my knees. Quelle surprise!

Ajaccio Cemetery

SOURCE: Ajaccio Cemetery (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Ajaccio Tombs

SOURCE: Ajaccio Tombs (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Cape of Parata and the Sanguinaire Islands

SOURCE: Cape of Parata and the Sanguinaire Islands (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

The Author in Corsica

SOURCE: The Author in Corsica (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Jim Robinson for Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Ajaccio, Corsica, France, Mediterranean Vacation | 1 Comment

Place d’Austerlitz in Ajaccio, Corsica

Posted on September 26, 2011 by Steve

La Place d’Austerlitz in Ajaccio, Corsica is the location of an enormous monument to Napoleon Bonaparte. Not seen in the photograph below are two eagles surmounting the years in which Napoleon was born and died (1769-1821). The year of Napoleon’s birth is subject to some debate. Various documents list the date of his birth as 15 August 1769, 08 January 1768, or 05 February 1768. The date of birth on the oldest document (and therefore the one created closest to the actual event) is 15 August 1769.

The statue of Napoleon on top of the pyramid watches over the city of Ajaccio. Elsewhere in la Place d’Austerlitz are bas relief figures of angels and a plaque from the Corsican community in Argentina commemorating the 100th anniversary of Napoleon’s death.

Monument to Napoleon in la Place d’Austerlitz

SOURCE: Monument to Napoleon in la Place d’Austerlitz (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Statue of Napoleon in la Place d’Austerlitz

SOURCE: Statue of Napoleon in la Place d’Austerlitz (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Bas-Relief in la Place d’Austerlitz

SOURCE: Bas-Relief in la Place d’Austerlitz (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Plaque in la Place d’Austerlitz

SOURCE: Plaque in la Place d’Austerlitz (Ajaccio, Corsica, France); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 09 August 2011.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Ajaccio, Corsica, France, Mediterranean Vacation | 1 Comment

The Granary Market and Farewell to Pompeii, Italy

Posted on September 25, 2011 by Steve

On the west side of the Pompeii forum (VII.8) was the granary market (VII.7.29), now used for the storage of supplies and artifacts. Looking into various parts of the granary market, the visitor can see the plaster cast of the body of one of the former residents of Pompeii, the plaster cast of a dog that obviously died in anguish, statues, urns, and other artifacts. On the south side of the forum is the Colonnade of Popidius in front of the City Archives (VIII.2.8) and the City Government Office (VIII.2.6). Leaving Pompeii through the Piazza Porta Marina Inferiore, there are views of the rear of the Sarno Baths (VII.2.17-21).

Granary Market with Body

SOURCE: Granary Market with Body (Pompeii, Campania, Italy); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 08 August 2011.

Granary Market with Dog

SOURCE: Granary Market with Dog (Pompeii, Campania, Italy); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 08 August 2011.

Granary Market with Statues

SOURCE: Granary Market with Statues (Pompeii, Campania, Italy); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 08 August 2011.

Colonnade of Popidius with City Archive and Office

SOURCE: Colonnade of Popidius with City Archive and Office (Pompeii, Campania, Italy); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 08 August 2011.

Leaving Pompeii

SOURCE: Leaving Pompeii (Pompeii, Campania, Italy); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 08 August 2011.

Rear of the Sarno Baths

SOURCE: Rear of the Sarno Baths (Pompeii, Campania, Italy); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 08 August 2011.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Italy, Mediterranean Vacation, Pompeii | 1 Comment

Banned Books Week 2011

Posted on September 24, 2011 by Steve

Every year at this time, the last week of September, I get some enjoyment from reading through the lists of frequently challenged books at the website of the American Library Association. It’s Banned Books Week!

Every year, some of my favorite books appear on the list. At least 46 of the Radcliffe Publishing Course Top 100 Novels of the 20th Century are on the list of challenged or banned books, and the titles of those books reads like a high school required reading list. Take at look at these works of literature:

The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
The Grapes of Wrath, by John Steinbeck
To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
1984, by George Orwell
Of Mice and Men, by John Steinbeck
Brave New World, by Aldous Huxley
Animal Farm, by George Orwell
A Farewell to Arms, by Ernest Hemingway
Gone with the Wind, by Margaret Mitchell
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, by Ken Kesey
Slaughterhouse-Five, by Kurt Vonnegut

Other books that have been banned or challenged include:

The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, by Mark Twain was banned for the language and treatment of African Americans depicted in the book. While the book depicts the conditions of the time, some apparently feel such descriptions are inappropriate.
The Diary of a Young Girl, by Anne Frank was banned for sexually offensive passages and the tragedy of the events described.
The Call of the Wild, by Jack London was banned because it was “too radical.” In the story, a dog named Buck reverts to his wild impulses in the Alaskan wilderness.
Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury is a novel about book banning and censorship. It was banned because… well… I guess that’s obvious.
James and the Giant Peach, by Roald Dahl was banned because it describes the abuse that James experienced. Among other things, the book was challenged because it supposedly encouraged disobedience to parents.
The Lord of the Flies, by William Golding is about a group of schoolboys who survive a plane crash and attempt to set up their own form of government. It was banned because of excessive violence and bad language.
A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle was banned for offensive language and for references to witches, crystal balls, and demons.
In the Night Kitchen, by Maurice Sendak tells of a young boy, Mickey, who falls out of bed, out of his pajamas, and into the night kitchen where he ends up making an airplane out of dough and flying back to bed. The book was banned because some of the drawings show Mickey naked.

You can watch readings from banned books at the Banned Books You Tube Channel.

I must admit that I must be a little dense. I honestly couldn’t see the reasons for banning most of these books until someone else explained them to me.

What are your favorite banned books? During Banned Books Week, write a post on your blog or leave a comment here. Also read my article on the Index Librorum Prohibitorum, the Catholic Church’s now defunct list of banned books on the Catholic Gene blog.

Have a Happy Banned Books Week!

Posted in Daily Journal | 2 Comments

The Temple of Jupiter and the Arch of Augustus in Pompeii, Italy

Posted on September 23, 2011 by Steve

The forum was the economic, political, and religious center of Pompeii. At the north end, stand the ruins of the temple of Jupiter. To the west of the temple of Jupiter is the Arch of Augustus. To the east of the temple is the macellum or marketplace. Mount Vesuvius can be seen to the north of the forum.

Arch of Augustus, Temple of Jupiter, and Macellum

SOURCE: Arch of Augustus, Temple of Jupiter, and Macellum (Pompeii, Campania, Italy); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 08 August 2011.

Temple of Jupiter from the East

SOURCE: Temple of Jupiter from the East (Pompeii, Campania, Italy); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 08 August 2011.

Temple of Jupiter and Mount Vesuvius

SOURCE: Temple of Jupiter and Mount Vesuvius (Pompeii, Campania, Italy); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 08 August 2011.

The Author at the Forum of Pompeii

SOURCE: The Author at the Forum of Pompeii (Pompeii, Campania, Italy); photographed by Stephen J. Danko on 08 August 2011.

Posted in Daily Journal | Tagged Italy, Mediterranean Vacation, Pompeii | 2 Comments

The Macellum (Marketplace) in Pompeii, Italy

Posted on September 22, 2011 by Steve

The macellum or marketplace in Pompeii is located in the forum. In the northwest corner are several well-preserved paintings on the walls. In front of the paintings are two display cases each containing a plaster cast of the body of a Pompeii citizen who died during the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. When these people died, probably from poisonous fumes, the ash rapidly covered their bodies and, after the bodies decomposed, cavities were left in the ash. The archeologists who discovered these cavities filled them with plaster, creating three dimensional reconstructions of these citizens of Pompeii preserved as they were at the instant of their deaths.