Mount Etna than fiery, associations, before her incorporation into the folklore of Sicily. For another Sicilian conception of the fairy realm or castle of Morgan le Fay – see Fata Morgana (mirage) re. an optical phenomenon common in the Strait of Messina. Volcanic activity first took place at Etna about 500,000 years ago, with eruptions occurring beneath the sea off the ancient coastline of Sicily. About 300,000 years ago, volcanism began occurring to the southwest of the summit (centre top of volcano) then, before activity moved towards the present centre 170,000 years ago. Eruptions at this time built up the first major
French corvette Etna (1795) morning by and , which she tried to distance. "Melampus" came within range around 15:30 "Etna" resisted for two hours before striking her colours as joined the battle. The "London Gazette" reported that on 13 November and drove a French navy corvette ashore near Barfleur. However the British were not able to get close enough to assure her destruction. Then "Melampus" and captured another corvette, which was the "Etna". "Etna" was armed with eighteen 12-pounder guns and had a crew of 137 men under the command of Citizen Joseph La Coudrais. The prisoners stated that both corvettes were carrying military