
It’s really amazing to see who your ancestors were, assuming that you are lucky enough to find that one recent ancestor that has links back as far as the 6th or 7th century. Before then, much of the history is suspect and there is also a lot of myth and speculation involved. Many of the saints are pretty well documented though and St. Adelaide is one.
Saint Adelaide de Bourgogne’s relation to you: Direct ancestor (32 generations)
Here’s how:
1. Nicholas Victor Sorrentino is your father
2. Maria Luigia Piromallo is the mother of Nicholas Victor Sorrentino
3. Maria Emilia Caracciolo is the mother of Maria Luigia Piromallo
4. Filippo Caracciolo is the father of Maria Emilia Caracciolo
5. Prince Luigi Caracciolo is the father of Filippo Caracciolo
6. Prince Ambrogio II Caracciolo is the father of Prince Luigi Caracciolo
7. Prince Luigi Caracciolo is the father of Prince Ambrogio II Caracciolo
8. Ambrogio Caracciolo is the father of Prince Luigi Caracciolo
9. Prince Marino III Caracciolo is the father of Ambrogio Caracciolo
10. Prince Francesco Marino Caracciolo is the father of Prince Marino III Caracciolo
11. Francesca D’AVOLOS is the mother of Prince Francesco Marino Caracciolo
12. Innico III D’Avalos is the father of Francesca D’AVOLOS
13. Cesare D’Avalos is the father of Innico III D’Avalos
14. Maria Aragon is the mother of Cesare D’Avalos
15. Fernando Aragon is the father of Maria Aragon
16. Ferdinand I Naples is the father of Fernando Aragon
17. Alfonso V Aragon is the father of Ferdinand I Naples
18. Ferdinand I De Antequera Aragon is the father of Alfonso V Aragon
19. Juan Castile is the father of Ferdinand I De Antequera Aragon
20. Juana Manuel De Villena Escalona Penafiel is the mother of Juan Castile
21. Juan Manuel of Penafiel is the father of Juana Manuel De Villena Escalona Penafiel
22. Manuel Fernandez of Castile is the father of Juan Manuel of Penafiel
23. Elisabeth Von Hohenstaufen is the mother of Manuel Fernandez of Castile
24. Philip Von Hohenstaufen is the father of Elisabeth Von Hohenstaufen
25. Frederick Von Hohenstaufen is the father of Philip Von Hohenstaufen
26. Friedrich II Swabia is the father of Frederick Von Hohenstaufen
27. Frederick Von Hohenstaufen is the father of Friedrich II Swabia
28. Hildegarde Vonhohenlohe is the mother of Frederick Von Hohenstaufen
29. Otto Ii Herzog Palatine Swabia is the father of Hildegarde Vonhohenlohe
30. Matilda Von Sachsen is the mother of Otto Ii Herzog Palatine Swabia
31. Otto Von Sachsen is the father of Matilda Von Sachsen
32. Saint Adelaide de Bourgogne von Hevell of Italy ‘Burgandy’ is the mother of Otto Von Sachsen
St. Adelaide, also called St. Adelaide of Burgundy, German Adelheid die Heilige, French Sainte Adélaïde, Italian Santa Adelaide, (born c.931—died December 16, 999, Seltz, Alsace [now in France]; feast day December 16), consort of the Western emperor Otto Iand, later, regent for her grandson Otto III. One of the most influential women of 10th-century Europe, she helped strengthen the German church while subordinating it to imperial power.
The daughter of Rudolf II(died 937), king of Burgundy, and Bertha of Swabia, Adelaide was married (947) to Lothar, who succeeded his father, Hugh of Arles, as king of Italy in the same year. After Lothar died in 950, Berengar II of Ivrea, his old rival, seized the Italian throne and imprisoned Adelaide in 951 at Garda. After her escape four months later, she asked the German king Otto I the Great to help her regain the throne. Otto marched into Lombardyin September 951, declared himself king, and married her in October or November of that year. They were crowned emperor and empress by Pope John XIIin Rome in 962. She promoted Cluniac monasticism and strengthened the allegiance of the German church to the emperor, playing an important role in Otto I’s distribution of ecclesiastical privileges and participating in his Italian expeditions.
After Otto’s death on May 7, 973, Adelaide exercised influence over her son Otto IIuntil their estrangement in 978, when she left the court and lived in Burgundywith her brother King Conrad. At Conrad’s urging, she became reconciled with her son, and, before his death in 983, Otto appointed her his regent in Italy. With her daughter-in-law, Empress Theophano, she upheld the right of her three-year-old grandson, Otto III, to the German throne. She lived in Lombardyfrom 985 to 991, when she returned to Germany to serve as sole regent after Theophano’s death (991). She governed until Otto III came of age in 994, and, when he became Holy Roman emperorin 996, she retired from court life, devoting herself to founding churches, monasteries, and convents. She was canonizedby Pope Urban IIin 1097.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Melissa Petruzzello, Assistant Editor.

Buona Pasqua From Italian Genealogy
Buona Pasqua from Italian Genealogy. Hard to believe that we are in our seventh year. This year has been great. Pick up a copy of “Farmers and Nobles” Available here or on Amazon. Thank you and have a Happy Easter! Click here to Join Italian Genealogy on Facebook

From Stromboli to America: A Journey of Heritage
In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino interviews Charlie and Steve Bongiorno about their Italian roots and family history. They share stories of their ancestors’ immigration to the United States, cultural traditions, language, and personal experiences in Stromboli. The discussion highlights the transformation of Stromboli from a primitive island to a celebrity destination, reflecting on the changes over generations. In this engaging conversation, the speakers share their experiences of living in Italy, exploring their cultural roots, and

Jazz and Italian Heritage
In this engaging conversation, jazz singer Vanessa Racci shares her journey of exploring her Italian heritage and how it intertwines with her passion for jazz music. From her family’s roots in Puglia to her experiences growing up in New York, Vanessa reflects on the rich history of Italian Americans in jazz and the importance of preserving this cultural legacy. She discusses her musical projects that aim to revive Italian classics through jazz arrangements and highlights

Generational Perspectives on Being Italian-American
In this conversation, Bob Sorrentino engages with Dr. Gilda Rorro and Dr. Mary Rorro, a mother-daughter duo, to explore their Italian heritage and the significance of family roots. They share personal stories of immigration, the importance of reconnecting with their Italian roots, and the generational differences in experiencing Italian identity. The discussion also highlights the role of food in Italian culture, the challenges of preserving heritage for future generations, and the contributions of Italians to

Italian Wine Classes – FAST
Join us on a journey to explore the allure of sparkling wine as we embark on a taste test experience like no other! From the elegance of Champagne to the charm of Prosecco, we’ll delve into the world of sparkling varieties and uncover the perfect food and wine pairing to elevate your next celebration. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just looking to cheers to bubbly, this video is for you. Get ready to discover

Exploring Toritto Bari: A Journey Through Time
The conversation explores the life and experiences of Rocco Scolamacchia, who grew up in Toritto, Italy, during the mid-20th century. It delves into his childhood memories, the impact of World War II on his family, the struggles of survival during difficult times, and the importance of family connections and genealogy. With his daughter Lisa the discussion highlights the cultural heritage and legacy that shapes their identities today. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into