The name Sorrento has not clear origins. Maybe the name
comes from the Roman Surrentum or from the Greek verb Surreo.
This territory has been inhabited since prehistory, first by
Osci people. In VI century b.C. the area was invaded by Samnites
and then by Romans. Roman noblemen loved to spend their holidays
in Sorrento.
During Middle Ages Sorrento was influenced by
Byzantine culture. It had to defend its independence from
Saracen pirates and invaders from Amalfi and Salerno. It was
conquered by Normans and then by Angevins. The town was very
rich; this is why Saracen pirates wanted it, and they sacked
it in 1558. The famous Italian poet Torquato Tasso was born
in Sorrento.
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