Aeolian Islands

This weekenda group of us (Katie, Zach, Tracy, Denise and Rob) visited the Aeolian Islands. We went to Vulcano, Panarea and Stromboli. We learned that the islands have been inhabited since the neolithic era. The deposits that were found on the island were important in understanding the Mediterranean civilization from the prehistoric period to the classical period. During the first Punic War, Carthage and the islands were allies until Rome conquered then in 252BC. During Roman rule, the islands were exiled. As soon as we stepped off the boat in Vulcano, the smell of sulfur filled the air. We relaxed in mud bathes, which also had an interesting smell. This natural bath had hot water deposits shooting up from under the water. The mud is supposively good for your skin, so we all wore mud masks. At night, we took a boat ride around Stromboli and witnessed lava shooting up from the volcano. While is was an enjoyable weekend, it was interesting to read that the islands related to our class of Sicilian history. It tied the weekend perfectly together.