Francesco Caracciolo

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Francesco Caracciolo

Duke Francesco Caracciolo (born January 18, 1752 in Naples , † June 28, 1799 ) was an admiral of the Kingdom of Naples and the Parthenopean Republic .

Life

Caracciolo , son of Michele dei Caracciolo di Brienza, who was elevated to Duke in 1738, and Vittoria Pescara (dei Duchi di Calvizzano), joined the Neapolitan Navy as a boy . He took part in the American War of Independence on board a British warship . In the Mediterranean , he distinguished himself several times in the fight against North African privateers . In 1793 he commanded a Neapolitan squadron that fought against the French under Admiral Hood during the Revolutionary Wars. He took part in the battles for Toulon and the landing on Corsica . After Napoleon had also conquered the Kingdom of Naples , large parts of the Neapolitan fleet sank on Nelson’s orders . Nelson also ordered the disarming of Caracciolo's flagship . Caracciolo was bitter because of Nelson's interference in Neapolitan affairs and because of the indulgence of King Ferdinand I, and followed him into exile in Sicily for only a short time . In 1799, just a few weeks after the proclamation of the republic, he took over command of the republican navy, with which he fought against both the remaining royal ships and the English.

After the restoration of the monarchy by the British it was contrary to the terms of surrender before court found (chaired the Nelson in person) and sentenced to death. Although he had asked to be shot, he was hanged in the port of Naples from a mast of the frigate Minerva and then thrown into the sea . His body reappeared during the king's reinstatement celebrations. A Christian burial was immediately arranged in the church of Santa Maria della Catena .

Francesco Caracciolo's death , which Nelson enforced for personal reasons, and above all the method of execution , aroused anger and horror in Naples. Caracciolo was stylized as a hero of the Parthenopean Republic and a patriot because he resolutely opposed the tutelage of foreigners . In the Bay of Naples is Lungomare Caracciolo named after him.

literature

personal data
SURNAME Caracciolo, Francesco
BRIEF DESCRIPTION Admiral of the Kingdom of Naples
DATE OF BIRTH January 18, 1752
PLACE OF BIRTH Naples
DATE OF DEATH June 28, 1799