Pietro Giannone

Born in Ischitella in 1676, Pietro Giannone studied law in Naples and built his reputation as both a jurist and a historian. He spent many years working on Storia civile del regno di Napoli, a major history of Naples that examined the long struggle between civil government and ecclesiastical authority.

The book caused a storm when it appeared in 1723. Its sharp criticism of clerical privilege led to condemnation from church authorities, and Giannone was forced to leave Naples. He lived in exile for years, moving through different parts of Italy and Europe while continuing to write.

Giannone later produced other works, including Il Triregno, and remained a controversial voice for the rest of his life. He was eventually arrested and spent his final years in captivity, dying in 1748. Today he is remembered as one of the boldest Italian historical writers of his time.