Ajaccio Live Cam

Ajaccio is the largest city on the island of Corsica, which is an autonomous territorial collectivity of France. Its history is rich and diverse, shaped by various cultures and historical events. Here is an overview of Ajaccio's history:

Ancient Times: The area around Ajaccio has been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of human presence dating back thousands of years. In antiquity, the island of Corsica was known to the ancient Greeks as "Kalliste" (meaning "the most beautiful") and "Kyrnos" (meaning "scented"). It was also known to the Romans as "Cyrnus."

Roman Period (3rd century BCE - 5th century CE): Corsica was incorporated into the Roman Republic in the 3rd century BCE after the Roman victory in the First Punic War. The Romans established a number of settlements on the island, including Ajaccio, then known as "Adiacium" or "Adiacium Portus." It was a small port town.

Medieval Period (5th - 18th century): After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Corsica went through a period of instability and was subject to various invasions and dominations, including the Vandals, Byzantines, and Saracens. In the 9th century, the Republic of Pisa gained control of Corsica, including Ajaccio. This lasted until the 13th century when Genoa took over.

Genoese Rule (13th - 18th century): From the 13th century onwards, Corsica was under the control of the Republic of Genoa, which established a feudal system on the island. During this period, Ajaccio grew in importance as a port and gained strategic significance.

French Conquest (18th century): In the mid-18th century, the Corsican Republic, led by Pasquale Paoli, declared its independence from Genoa. However, due to internal conflicts and external pressures, Corsica's independence was short-lived. In 1768, the Republic of Genoa ceded Corsica to France. This was formalized in the Treaty of Versailles in 1769.