Pianosa

Pianosa is a small (about 10 km2) island in Italy's Tuscan Archipelago. The name is derived from the Italian word "pianura" (plain) because its highest point is some 22 meters over sea level. It was known as Planasia in the ancient Roman era.

Related Topics:
Km² - Italy - Tuscan Archipelago - Meters - Roman

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Pianosa has no permanent residents. It is known in Italy for hosting a maximum-security prison, where especially dangerous Mafia criminals are held. It is also historically significant for Augustus banishing his grandson and ex-heir Postumus Agrippa there in AD 6 or 7. Postumus remained there until his execution around the time of Augustus's death in 14.

Related Topics:
Mafia - Augustus - Postumus Agrippa - 6 - 7 - 14

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For administration purposes, Pianosa is part of the Elba island municipality. On clear days, it can be seen from that island as a dark blue line over the lighter blue sea.

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In the book Catch-22, Yossarian's bomber squadron is based on the island, though Joseph Heller points out he took some literary license in making Pianosa big enough for a major military complex.

Related Topics:
Catch-22 - Joseph Heller

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There is another, even smaller island called Pianosa off the Adriatic coast of Italy, due north of Monte Gargano

Related Topics:
Adriatic - Monte Gargano

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