Unexpected Journeys: The Origin of the Italian Surname Corea

The history of the Italian surname Corea is an intriguing tale, deeply rooted in the historical events of the 16th century. This lesser-known story of a Korean slave turned free man and ultimate patriarch of a family holds fascinating insights into the untold stories of those who came before us.

Historical Background

Between 1592 and 1598, Japan attempted to invade Korea twice, but these invasions were ultimately unsuccessful due to the strong resistance of the Korean people. During these wars, Japanese troops captured tens of thousands of Korean slaves. Some of these slaves were used by the Japanese themselves, while others were sold to various parts of the world.

The Journey of António Corea

Drifting among these slaves was one known as António. He was purchased by an Italian merchant, Francesco Carletti, along with three other Korean men. Upon acquisition, Carletti took a particular liking to António, who was described as a particularly sturdy fellow. Carletti renamed him António Corea, likely due to the similarity in their new surnames.

Carletti then decided to bring António to Italy. As the journey progressed, a bond formed between the two, leading Carletti to free António when they reached Florence in 1600. From this point on, António Corea worked for Carletti as a free and equal employee, marking a turning point in his life.

A Twist of Fate

However, António's story took an unexpected turn in March 1602. A ship under Carletti's command, carrying António, was captured by Dutch pirates off the coast of Portugal. With Carletti and António on board, the pirate ship traveled back to Italy. Here, António, now a free man, decided to marry an Italian lady by the name of Anunchi Ita.

The couple settled near the city of Catanzaro, where they established a family. From this union, the last name Corea was born, and the story of António Corea continued to expand and evolve.

Legacy and Aftermath

The descendants of António Corea, now bearing the surname Corea, have since gone on to lead their own lives and establish their own families and legacies. Over the centuries, their story has been passed down, intertwined with the history of Italy and its diverse cultural landscape.

Conclusion

The story of António Corea offers a unique glimpse into the complex history of the Italian surname Corea. It highlights the influence of historical events, the resilience of the human spirit, and the unexpected journeys that shape our identities. This narrative serves as a reminder of the untold stories that lie within our own family histories, waiting to be discovered and shared.