As I briefly mentioned in the “Introduction,”
the Corsican people are either originally from
the island of Corsica or have origins in Corsica. Romans
Corsi was the name of the people who first inhabited the island. The Romans
Corsi have roots in both the Nuragic and Torrean civilizations. The Nuragic civilization dates back to 18th
century B.C. based out of the island of Sardinia, Corsica’s northern
neighbor. The Torrean civilization is
extremely similar to the Nuragic civilization except the Torreans are based out
of Corsica rather than Sardinia. Some
scholars believe the two civilizations were the same.
 |
| Corsica's original tribes |
Modern day
Corsicans are also believed to have Greek and Roman ties. The island of Corsica was broken down into twelve tribes during its origins such as: Belatones, Cervini, Cilebenses, Cumanenses, Lucinini,
Macrini, Opini, Subasani, Sumbri, Tarabeni, Titiani, and Venacini.
 |
| Pasquale Paoli, Corsican Patriot. |
While the date of occupation is
unknown, Corsica at one point was a province of the Roman Empire. When the Roman Empire fell, the island of
Corsica became populated by several groups of people. However in 1347, the Republic of Genoa
(which is currently a part of Italy) took possession over Corsica up until 1729,
when a revolution for independence occurred. From
1729-1755, the Corsican Revolution took place against
Genoa. Finally in 1755, the Corsican
Republic was established as an independent, sovereign state. Pasquale Paoli
was viewed as a patriot and took up the leadership role in Corsica’s newly
formed republic. Paoli also established
the nation’s official language as Italian and created its Constitution. Unfortunately, independence did not last as
Corsica could not fend off Genoa. The island was sold to France in
1764. Corsica remains a French territory
today.
 |
| Corsican Nationalists cross out French names on road signs in Corsica. |
During World War II, Corsica fell
under the Nazi’s Vichy France
regime. During this time, fascist
Italian dictator Benito Mussolini claimed the island of Corsica belonged to
Italy. Today, Corsica has very
nationalistic ideals as it pushes for self-government and the security of the
island’s culture. In 2001, France granted
Corsica limited autonomy.
Sources:
Google Books - Caird, L.H. The History of Corsica. T.F. Unwin: Harvard University, 1899.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corsica#History
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corsican_people
Pictures:
Pasquale Paoli, Corsican Patriot:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0c/Paoli.png/270px-Paoli.png
Corsica's original tribes:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Corsica-Romana.jpg
Corsican Nationalists cross out French names on road signs in Corsica:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Corsican_nationalism.jpg
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