The Ancient History of the Distinguished Surname Da Canal
The region of Venetia points to the origin of the surname Da Canal. Fleeing Lombards from the north created the settlement as a refuge from Attila the Hun. In 687 they organized the settlement under a doge. During the 9th century, Venice was granted self government by a decree of Pope Gregory. The city state became economically and strategically important to Italy as a buffer between the East and the West. This position was strengthened by the travels of the Polo family in the 13th century, which established trade contacts with the Mongol Empire. Marco Polo left Venice in 1271 and his account of his travels gave the West its first in-depth view of Asian society and has been invaluable to historians ever since.
It is during this time of economic and religious prosperity, that the surname Da Canal emerges in Venice a city and seaport occupying one of the most remarkable sites of the world. Centralizing on the Grand Canal the history of the city can be traced through the different styles of architecture Byzantine, Gothic, early Renaissance and late Renaissance. It is rich in ancient palaces, churches, libraries, monuments, statues, treasures and artifacts. Its history is abundant in Politics, art, religion, scholarship and conflict. The ducal palace was commenced in 1309. In those ancient times only persons of rank, the podesta, clergy, city officials, army officers, artists, landowners were entered into the records. To be revorded at this time, at the beginning of recorded history, was of itself a great distinction and indicative of noble ancestry.
Spelling variations of the surname include "Canales, Canali, Da Canale, Da Canal, Dacanal, Canal, Canali, Caneli", various forms of a name were created over the centuries as the language and dialects of a region developed, sometimes changing the name between father and son.
The surname was found in Venice where they were anciently seated. The family branched to "Todi, Terni, Perugia, Rieti, Chieri, and Ferrara". 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 many conflicts of the region, the economics, or better opportunities as they pursued religion, politics or acquired better estates. Nicolo and Cristofor were Captain Generals in 1470. Lodovico served valorously in the military for Emperor Ferdinando II. Carinto was ambassador to Phillip II of France. By the end of the 14th century they held the castle and estates of Villare and Bruino. Ludovico was Governor of Lodi in 1794. Other branches of the family formed in Genova, and different parts of Spain including Catalogne and Mayorque as well as Portugal. The head of the family held the title as a Count of Venise.
The byzantine period left many fine examples of architecture and much is still in evidence today. The Francks in 774 finally relinquished control to Charlemagne in 810. It was controlled by many powerful families which ended in a republic in 1032. Trade flourished, and a constitution emerged in 1297 followed by expansion to the mainland. By 1500 continuous wars had diluted the growth of Venice. The five wars with turkey under their Doge Sebastian Venier and others proved abortive. After five wars they lost Crete and Cyprus, and finally Morea. The Veneto region suffered greatly during the invasion of the French and Napoleon in 1796. After the defeat of Napoleon in 1814, the Austrians took over and governed the area until Italy's efforts to unify in 1859. Unfortunately, Venice lost much of its territory and trading power. It became the great pleasure city of Europe. Napoleon took the city but handed it over to Austria in 1798. Then it became French, then Austrian again. The city jointed the official unification of Italy in 1861. During this phase of the family name history there were many distinguished notables including the Canales family of Venice.
While several explorers of the New World were of Italian descent, few Italian settlers migrated to the Americas until the late 19th century. Following the unification of Italy, migration reached such high levels that officials became concerned.
Ventians began looking westward to the New World, including the surname Da Canal ant its lineage. Many settlers were recorded in the great migration from Italy to the New World. Migrants settled in the eastern seaboard principally in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. The migration continued until the middle of the twentieth century.
Contemporary notables bearing the Da Canal name, or a variation, include many distinguished contributors to world culture, science and society including dignitaries on both sides of the Atlantic.