Aeolian Islands

Many Panettieri families can trace their roots to the Aeolian Islands — which are located just north of Sicily, Italy. The seven Aeolian islands include Alicudi, Filicudi, Lipari, Panarea, Salina, Stromboli and Vulcano.

About the Aeolian Islands

The Aeolian Islands were first settled in the Neolithic period, around 4000–3000 BCE (Before the Common Era).

Early settlers likely came from Sicily or mainland Italy, bringing with them obsidian tools and pottery. Obsidian (volcanic glass) from the islands, especially Lipari, was a major trade good across the Mediterranean during this time. (Confession: We need to double-check the sourcing on this paragraph.)

By the Bronze Age (around 2000 BCE), the islands had developed into important trading hubs, with evidence of fortified villages and contact with Mycenaean Greece and other Mediterranean cultures.

Finding Family Records

Key Aeolian Island information sources include:

  1. Aeolian Island Cemeteries, a searchable database from Michael Angelini.

  2. Aeolian Island marriage index, another searchable database from Michael Angelini.

  3. Use tools like Cognomix.it or Gens Italia to see if Panettieri clusters in Sicily — especially the Aeolian Islands.

  4. Aeolian Genealogy, a private Facebook group.

  5. Riveli di Beni e Anime: Tax and census records from 1623 and 1811–1816 for Lipari, which might mention Panettieri households.