Conquered by Romans 1st century CE; ruled by Saracens 10th cen.; under counts of Savoy 1388-1860, although captured and held by French several times; pillaged by Turks 1543; ceded to France 1860; birthplace of Garibaldi; leading resort city of French Riviera.
Comprising a peninsula in NW Netherlands, nearly all below sea level, surrounded by North Sea, Waddenzee, and IJsselmeer; draining of area began in 17th cen.