Denise J. Sprague - The Manzano Family Name

The turbulent and ancient history of Sicily is traced to the Greeks 117 the 6th century B. C. The island was then partitioned into three separate nations: the Sicels, for whom the island was named the Sicani, and Elymians. They left relics of their temples built during their occupation in the areas around Syracuse and the Selinas. The earliest history of the surname Manzano can he traced to this beautiful Mediterranean Island. The Byzantines next occupied Sicily until the 6th century A.D. when Arab maruader s posed a threat from the south and east. Because of political unrest in Byzantine Sicily, the way was paved for the Arabs in the 7th century when they infiltrated Sicily.

In what might be termed an early crusade, the liberating Normans from Northern France invaded Sicily in the 11th century and restored Christianity. Despite the religious differences between the Normans and the Byzantines, there was a degree of tolerance shown by both races. Count Roger of Normandy is considered to be the founder of modern Sicily. He forged an essential political link between the island and the Papal States to the north. Historically the numerous occupations of Sicily had created a diverse cultural mixtures the ancient Greeks and Romans, the Arabs and the Byzantines, and, lastly, the Normans, each race contributing culturally and artistically to the island society. Specifically, the earliest record of this surname Manzano was found in Sicilia or Sicily an island in the Mediterranean, a part of Italy The original inhabitants were Sicels. The Greeks colonized in 735 B. C. Phoenician settlements began in 6th century. Carthaginians arrived 410 A.D. Romans arrived, then the Saracens. Then the Norman Conquest said to be Sicily's brightest hour, 1057 A.D and taking 35 years. They made Sicilians the leading Maritimes power in the Mediterranean, and King Roger of Sicily one of the greatest Kings in Europe. From Sicily they invaded Greece. In those ancient times only persons of rank-, the podesta, clergy, city officials, army officers, artists, landowners were entered into the records. To be recorded at this time, at the beginning of recorded history, was of itself a great distinction and indicative of noble ancestry.

The l2th century found the emergence of self-determination and a struggle for independence absorbed part of southern Italy and the Sicilian Vespers. This legendary struggle for identity is monumental in the annals of Italian history. Starting with a minor incident, a riot against the Norman overlords, it assumed the dimensions of revolution. Soon after, Peter of Aragon became King, and Sicily came under Spanish rule. Various forms of this Sicilian surname Manzano were revealed by research. They include Manzoni, Manzano, Manzelli, Manzi, Manzina, Manzini, Manzoli, Manzolinil, Manzolino, Manzone, and others. The changes in spelling were created by the many dialects that had influenced the history of the island. Frequently, the changes occurred between father and son, or between brothers.

Sicily, and the Island of Sardinia, remained under Spanish rule for the next few centuries. The whole region was economically prosperous. During this period of Spanish rule, the name Manzano was found Sicily where they were anciently seated. They branched into Milan, Bellamo, Padua, Pisa, and Bologna. From their early beginnings, for the next few centuries, the family name also acquired other interests as branches of this fine old Southern Italian family established themselves throughout Italy. Many were displaced by the many conflicts of the region, the economics, or better opportunities as they pursued religion, Politics or acquired better estates. Torpe appears in registers as a priest in Pisa in 142 7, and Giocomo became a Baron in Milan in 1681. The Modena branch of the family was raised to the nobility in 1530 when they became Counts.

Sicily came under Habsburg rule in the 16h century when the Habsburg Charles I became Holy Ro man Emperor Charles V. After the War of Spanish Succession, Sicily and Naples came under the rule of Austria.

After the Napoleonic Wars of the late 18th century Sicily was ruled by Ferdinand III of Sicily. The constitution was abolished in 1815, and a year later, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was formed Sicily was governed from Naples, and Ferdinand became King Ferdinand I Succeeding was King of Sicily Francis II and in 1860, a government was established at Palermo, and the constitution w as reinstated. In 1861, after a decision to become annexed to Sardinia, Sicily became part of the united kingdom of Sicily and the Island of Sardinia remained under Spanish rule for the next few centuries. The whole region was economically prosperous. During this period of Spanish rule, the name Manzano was found Sicily where they were anciently seated. They branched into Milan, Bellaino, Padua, Pisa, and Bologna. From their early beginnings, for the next few centuries, the family name also acquired other interests as branches of this fine old southern Italian family established themselves throughout Italy. Many were displaced by the many conflicts of the region, the economics, or better opportunities as they pursued religion, politics or acquired better estates. Torpe appears inn registers as a priest in Pisa in 1427, and Gioconlo became a Baron in Milan in 1681. The Modena branch of the family was raised to the nobility in 1530 when they became Counts. Sicily came under Habsburg rule in the 16th century when the Habsburg Charles I became Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. After the war of Spanish Succession, Sicily and Naples came under the rule of Austria.

After the Napoleonic Wars of the late 18th century, Sicily was ruled by Ferdinand III of Sicily. The constitution was abolished in 1815, and a year later, the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was formed. Sicily was governed from Naples, and Ferdinand became King Ferdinand I. Succeeding was King of Sicily Francis II and in 1860, a government was established at Palermo, and the constitution was reinstated. In 1861, after a decision to become annexed to Sardinia, Sicily became part of the united kingdom of Italy. During the history of the surname there had been many notable contributors including the Manzoni family of Sicily.

Many Sicilians looked toward the New World including members of the family name Manzano. Many settlers were recorded from the end of the l9th century in the great migration from Italy to the New World. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard principally in New, York. New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.

Many of the surnames made important contribution to society on both sides of the Atlantic including dignitaries on both sides of the Atlantic.

Research has determined the above Coat of Arms to be the most ancient recorded for the family surname Manzano.