Gamberale, Chieti, Abruzzo

by **lisa32** » 22 Dec 2002, 18:15

Hi, I am currently looking for information regarding the town of Gamberale, in the provence of Chieti in Abruzzo, It is said that the inhabitants who settled in this area were predominately of French descent. In the 12th century for example a man by the name of Raynald Gentil owned a vast majority of land at this time. The dialect of this area also reflects the French inFluence in this area. For eample my mother refers to the word \"there\" as the French \"la\" not the Italian \"Li.\" Surnames like, de Nardo and de Pasquale are believed to have been French in origin but changed overtime, unlike the DePasquale of Sicily who are believed to have come from Valencia,Spain. Any information that can be provided will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

by **ptimber** » 22 Dec 2002, 19:58

There does not appear to be any reference to french occupation for Gamberale. As you know, Gamberale was first mentioned in written history in the 12th century and that prior to that time it was populated by Italic tribe Marsi. Sorry, Peter

by **lisa32** » 23 Dec 2002, 03:25

Hi Thank You for your reply. I understand that the Marsi were the original inhabitants in various areas in Abruzzo, Gamberale included, however, you failed to mention the Roman invaders who came subsequent to the Marsi destroying numerous towns and building the inroads in the Abruzzi region that where cureently can see in the beautiful mountains of Abruzzo. In addition to that the Franks (French), Normans(vikings who cared over French language and customs and Lombards(Germanic) and Spanish who invaded the areas and eventually settled in these regions Gamberale included. I am sorry to say but I think your history simply stops pre-Roman times.

by **ptimber** » 23 Dec 2002, 04:11

You said nothing about Roman history or Etruscan or paleolithic history for your area. This is a forum for genealogy not history. May I suggest that you delve into pre-Roman history for yoiur area and delve into that history and then come forward a reference book at a time. This will give you the answers you wish instead of an opportunity to vent your frustration!!!!!!!!Peter

by **lisa32** » 23 Dec 2002, 04:17

Hi Peter, I also wanted to mention that the lapse in infomation prior to the 12 century does not give us any indication that the Marsi were the only individuals to inhabite the town of Gamberale. Also, Raynald Gentil\'s name, the man who owed a vast amount of land in Gamberale, is non-italic or Italian in orgin. For example, Gentil without the \"e\" is french in origin. The name can be found through out France. Unlike the Italianized form Gentile with the \"e\". Also, Raynald is certainly not Italian in origin. The consant \"y\" in the first name indicates that this is not a common Italian name, seeing that the consant \"y\" is rarely if not ever used in the Italian language. I also wanted to mention the donination of the Franks and normans in Chieti between 1140-1860. Sorry

by **lisa32** » 23 Dec 2002, 04:23

In case you have not noticed but Genealogy and hisotry go hand and hand. Do your homework. Goodbye and calm down

by **ptimber** » 23 Dec 2002, 04:28

You haven\'t mentioned the resettlement of the 10th legion veterans in Abruzzo when they were recalled from Britain as a result of the GI Bill for roman soldiers which opened up Abruzzo to english born and trained veterans of the legion. That is when the capital AQUILA (after the Roman Imperial eagle) was designated for Abruzzo. Please forgive this digression from genelaogy to ethnicity. Peter