Mongibello – The Sicilian Giant also known as Etna!
The Sicilian giant, one of the most famous Volcanos in the world, certainly doesn’t need any introduction. Originating in the Quaternary, it represents the highest active terrestrial volcano of the Eurasian plate, and it is the highest peak in Italy south of the Alps. Etna covers an area of 1,190 km2(459 sq mi) with a basal circumference of 140 km (87 miles).
The eruptions have, during the centuries, heavely altered the surrounding landscape – today its activity is kept under control, and it’s not rare for the people around Catania to see this giant showing off its muscles from time to time.
Mongibello or Etna?
The etymology of the name Etna, has generated heated debates during the years. According to some, it is said to be pronounced by the ancient Greek itacist of the toponym Aitna (Aἴτνα-ας). The name was also given to the cities of Katane and Inessa and derives from the word of the Greek classic αἴθω (aitho – burn).
Etna was known during the Roman times as Aetna. Of course, the different populations that inhabited Sicily have given different names to this majestic volcano. Arabic writings refer to Etna as mountain Ǧabal al-burkān (volcano mountain) or Ǧabal Aṭma Ṣiqilliya (“sum mountain of Sicily”) or also Ǧabal al-Nār (“mountain of fire”).
This name was later changed to Mons Gibel, literally “Monte Gibel” (from the Latin mons “Monte – Mount” and the Arabic Jebel (جبل “Mount”) just to indicate its majesty, hence Mongibello (or even Montebello – Beautiful Moutain).
The name Mongibello has been in use for a long time and it is still common to hear those who keep calling the Etna that way.
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