Lago di Nicito (Lake Nicito) was a lava-dammed lake in the Province of Catania, Sicily, Italy from the 5th to 17th century CE.
Formation Lago di Nicito formed following a 5th-century CE eruption of Mount Etna, when the river Amenano was diverted and dammed by lava flows and volcanic debris. The eruption caused a diversion near the piazza Santa Maria di Gesù. The lake had a circumference of approx. 6km, with a peak depth of approx. 15m. The ancient road via Lago di Nicito is used to approximate the historic shoreline. A later eruption of Etna in 1669 CE filled the basin with lava within 6 hours.
Uses Residents utilized the lake for economic activities such as fishing and trading, as well as for recreation, such as boat racing and other high-society activities.
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