Mount Etna has been continuously erupting for thousands of years, shaping the landscape of northeastern Sicily for a thousand years and shaping the lives of the surrounding people for centuries. How do scientists chart this thousand-year and long-term history of eruptions? One of the few tools which attempts to record systematically the past 2,500 years of eruptions at the volcano is the Database of Etna’s Historical Eruptions or DANTE. It has been built by the Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia (INGV) and is an open access data set offering a valuable source for researchers, instructors, and professionals in disaster risk management.
What Is the Database of Etna’s Historical Eruptions (DANTE)?
DANTE is a downloadable dataset published by INGV Catania. It collects and compiles historical records of eruptions at Mount Etna, the world’s most studied active volcano. The database is divided into two large chronological sections to connect availability and credibility of data with time:
- From the 6th century BC to the 16th century AD
- From the 17th century to the present (2024)
This division is important because it reflects a fundamental shift: while earlier records are primarily descriptive and based on historical accounts, later data is grounded in systematic scientific observation and documentation.
View and download the DANTE historical eruption database
Structure and Contents of the Dataset
1. Eruptions from the 6th Century BC to 1600 AD
This portion of the database is based on historical writings, archaeological evidence, and secondary sources. Each entry includes:
- Name or identifier of the eruption
- Estimated date or period
- Fissure location and its description
- Description of volcanic products (e.g., lava flows or ash)
Due to the limitations of historical sources, the information is less detailed and in some cases speculative.
2. Eruptions from 1600 to 2024
As written observations, cartographic records, and eventually instrumental monitoring became available, the dataset grew more complete over time. It includes:
- Eruption year and time period
- Duration (in days)
- Vent location and elevation (in meters above sea level)
- Type and description of the eruption
- Volume and area of lava emitted (measured in million cubic meters and square kilometers)
- References to original sources
This part of the database allows for more quantitative analyses, including comparisons between eruption sizes and durations across centuries.
Why Is This Database Useful?
For Scientific Research
Researchers studying volcanic behavior over long timescales can use DANTE to:
- Identify trends in eruptive frequency
- Analyze changes in eruption types and affected areas
- Explore links between tectonic events and volcanic activity
For Risk Assessment
Etna is located near densely populated areas. Understanding past activity helps authorities and emergency planners improve hazard models and scenario planning.
For Education and Communication
The dataset can support geography and earth science education by providing real historical data for exercises and demonstrations. It also helps journalists and educators contextualize current volcanic events.
Limitations and Considerations
While DANTE is an important resource, it is advisable to use it with a clear understanding of its historical and methodological context. For instance, the earliest records rely on historical reports, which may be incomplete or biased.
Furthermore, some eruption dates are only approximate, especially those recorded before the 17th century.
In many cases, quantitative data is unavailable—this is particularly common in the earlier part of the dataset.
Therefore, researchers using the database should consult the original sources listed in the dataset. When possible, they should also compare multiple lines of evidence to ensure accuracy.
Example: The 1669 Eruption
One of the best-documented eruptions within the database is the 1669 eruption that caused immense devastation in the surrounding area of Catania. Fine-grained information on vent position, lava quantity, and duration of the eruption has been presented for the data set. This entry has been used in multiple scientific studies to model similar future scenarios.
How to Access and Use the Database of Etna’s Historical Eruptions
To explore the DANTE database:
- Visit the INGV Catania resource page
- Download the Excel file.
- Open the two separate sheets:
- “From VI century BC to 1600”
- “From 1600 to 2024”
- Filter or sort the data based on the type of eruption, time period, or vent elevation.
Final Thoughts
DANTE can serve as a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the long-term history of one of Europe’s most active volcanoes. By combining ancient records with modern scientific observations, it offers a chronology that illustrates not only the eruptive history of Mount Etna itself but also the progression of how humans have observed and documented volcanic activity over time.
It is true that DANTE is not intended to replace detailed fieldwork or real-time monitoring systems. Even so, it adds a historical layer that contributes to a broader understanding of volcanic behavior. As a result, it can serve as a helpful starting point for researchers, planners, educators, and science communicators. For instance, it provides a structured foundation for further analysis and more informed decision-making.
References
- Branca S., Del Carlo P., Behncke B., Bonfanti P. (2025). Database of Etna’s Historical Eruptions (DANTE). INGV. https://doi.org/10.13127/etna/dante
- INGV Official Website: https://www.ingv.it/en/
- INGV Catania: https://www.ct.ingv.it/
- Press Release (2024): https://www.ingv.it/en/stampa-e-urp/stampa/comunicati-stampa/5728-etna-e-online-dante-il-database-che-racconta-oltre-2500-anni-di-eruzioni
