Misenum

Misenum is the site of an ancient port in Campania, in southern Italy. It is located on a cape on the western end of the gulf of Puteoli, on the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Related Topics:
Campania - Italy - Puteoli - Tyrrhenian Sea

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According to mythology, Misenum was named after Misenus, a companion of Hector and trumpeter to Aeneas. Misenus is supposed to have drowned near here after a trumpet competition with the sea-god Triton, as recounted in Virgil's Aeneid.

Related Topics:
Misenus - Hector - Aeneas - Trumpet - Triton - Virgil - Aeneid

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In 38 BC, Misenum was the site of a short-lived pact made between Octavian (heir of Julius Caesar, who later became the emperor Augustus), and his rival Sextus Pompeius.

Related Topics:
38 BC - Octavian - Julius Caesar - Sextus Pompeius

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In ancient times, Misenum was the largest base of the Roman navy. It was first established as a naval base in 27 BC by Marcus Agrippa, the right-hand man of the emperor Augustus.

Related Topics:
Roman navy - 27 BC - Marcus Agrippa - Emperor Augustus

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With its gorgeous natural setting close to the naval base and the nearby important Roman cities of Puteoli and Neapolis, Misenum became the site of Roman luxury villas.

Related Topics:
Puteoli - Neapolis - Villas

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Pliny the Elder was the praefect in charge of the naval fleet at Misenum in AD 79, at the time of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius, visible across the bay. Seeing the beginnings of the eruption, Pliny left for a closer view and to effect a possible rescue, and was killed by the eruption. The account of his death is given by his nephew Pliny the Younger, who was also resident in Misenum at the time.

Related Topics:
Pliny the Elder - Praefect - 79 - Mount Vesuvius - Pliny the Younger

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